AUSTRALIA - As Australia enters what meteorologists predict could be one of the most challenging bushfire seasons in recent years, emergency services across the nation are urging families to finalize their fire preparation plans now. With drought conditions persisting across much of eastern Australia and an early start to the traditional fire season, the time for preparation is rapidly running out.
"This year's combination of persistent dry conditions, accumulated fuel loads, and early season heat makes preparation more critical than ever. Every Australian family in fire-prone areas needs a plan, and they need it now," said Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, NSW Rural Fire Service.
Current Fire Risk Assessment
The Bureau of Meteorology's latest seasonal outlook indicates above-normal fire weather conditions across most of Australia through the 2025-26 summer period. Key risk factors include:
- Rainfall deficits of 20-40% below average across eastern Australia
- Soil moisture levels at near-record lows in many regions
- Accumulated fuel loads from previous wet seasons
- Earlier than normal onset of dangerous fire weather days
- Persistent high-pressure systems creating extended periods of hot, dry conditions
State-by-State Risk Assessment
New South Wales: Extreme risk across the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and Southern Highlands. Above normal risk for Sydney's urban fringe and the Blue Mountains.
Victoria: Very high to extreme risk for East Gippsland, the Mallee, and central Victoria. Melbourne's outer suburbs face above-normal risk levels.
Queensland: Severe risk for the Darling Downs and southeast Queensland. The Gold Coast hinterland and Sunshine Coast regions remain on high alert.
South Australia: Extreme risk for the Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty Ranges. Kangaroo Island faces particularly high risk following previous fire impacts.
Essential Home Preparation
Fire authorities emphasize that home preparation should be completed well before any fire threat materializes. The following steps should be taken now:
Immediate Property Tasks (Complete by September 15)
- Clear gutters and roof spaces: Remove all leaf litter and debris that could ignite from flying embers
- Maintain asset protection zones: Ensure 40-meter cleared zones around homes, removing flammable vegetation
- Service equipment: Test and service water pumps, generators, and firefighting equipment
- Secure water supplies: Ensure adequate water storage and multiple access points for firefighting
- Install ember guards: Fit metal screens to windows, doors, and vents to prevent ember entry
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
September-October:
- Weekly gutter cleaning during leaf-fall season
- Monthly equipment testing and fuel checks
- Regular monitoring of vegetation regrowth
November-March (Fire Season):
- Daily monitoring of local fire conditions and warnings
- Weekly equipment checks and water level monitoring
- Immediate removal of any accumulated debris
Developing Your Family Fire Plan
Every family in fire-prone areas must have a written fire plan that all family members understand and practice. The plan should address four critical decisions:
1. Trigger Points for Action
Establish clear trigger points that determine when your family will:
- Monitor conditions: When fire danger rating reaches 'High'
- Prepare to leave: When local warnings are issued
- Leave immediately: When evacuation orders are given
- Activate defense plans: If staying to defend is your chosen option
2. Evacuation Routes and Destinations
Plan multiple evacuation routes from your property and identify several safe destinations:
- Primary route: Fastest route to designated evacuation centers
- Alternative routes: At least two backup routes in case primary routes are blocked
- Safe destinations: Friends/family homes outside fire risk areas, designated evacuation centers, or other safe locations
- Meeting points: Designated locations where separated family members can reunite
3. What to Take When Leaving
Prepare emergency kits that can be grabbed quickly:
- Documents: Insurance papers, identification, bank details, medical records
- Medications: All prescription medications plus basic first aid supplies
- Emergency supplies: Water, food, blankets, torch, battery radio, phone chargers
- Personal items: Photos, small valuables, change of clothes
- Pet supplies: Food, water, carriers, leads, bedding
4. Staying to Defend vs. Leaving Early
This is the most critical decision your family will make. Fire authorities emphasize that leaving early is the safest option for most families.
"There is no shame in leaving early. The 'leave and live' message has saved thousands of lives over the past decade. Staying to defend requires specific skills, equipment, and preparation that most people don't have," said Dr. Christine Owen, Emergency Management Research Institute.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable People
Families with elderly members, young children, people with disabilities, or those with medical conditions require additional planning:
Elderly Family Members
- Arrange early evacuation plans before conditions become dangerous
- Ensure medication supplies for extended periods away from home
- Consider temporary relocation during high-risk periods
- Establish regular check-in procedures with neighbors or family
Young Children
- Practice evacuation procedures regularly to reduce anxiety
- Prepare comfort items and familiar foods for emergency kits
- Ensure all children know family contact information
- Arrange childcare evacuation plans for working parents
People with Disabilities
- Register with local emergency services for priority assistance
- Prepare specialized equipment and supplies
- Ensure accessible evacuation routes and destinations
- Arrange support networks and backup care arrangements
Technology and Communication Plans
Modern technology provides unprecedented access to real-time fire information, but systems can fail during emergencies:
Essential Apps and Resources
- Fires Near Me (NSW): Real-time incident information and warnings
- VicEmergency: Victoria's official emergency app
- Emergency Alert: Receives official emergency warnings
- Weather Zone: Detailed weather conditions and forecasts
- ABC Listen: Emergency broadcasting when other services fail
Communication Plans
Establish redundant communication methods:
- Primary: Mobile phones with fully charged backup batteries
- Secondary: Battery-powered or car radios tuned to ABC Local Radio
- Backup: Two-way radios for local communication
- Emergency: Satellite communicators for remote areas
Understanding Fire Behavior and Weather
Understanding how fires behave helps families make better decisions about when to act:
Fire Weather Conditions
Catastrophic (Code Red): Do not stay to defend under any circumstances. Leave the area the night before or early in the morning.
Extreme: Most dangerous conditions. Only stay if you are extremely well prepared and your plan is to leave if things go wrong.
Severe: Dangerous conditions. Well-prepared people may choose to stay and defend, but should consider leaving.
Very High/High: Heightened alert. Monitor conditions closely and be ready to act on warnings.
Fire Behavior Factors
- Wind speed and direction: Determines fire spread rate and direction
- Temperature and humidity: Higher temperatures and lower humidity increase fire intensity
- Fuel load and type: Determines how hot fires burn and how fast they spread
- Terrain: Fires burn faster uphill and slower downhill
Community Preparedness and Neighborhood Plans
Individual preparation is most effective when combined with coordinated community efforts:
Neighborhood Fire Groups
Consider joining or forming neighborhood fire groups that:
- Share resources and equipment
- Coordinate evacuation assistance for vulnerable neighbors
- Maintain community assets like water tanks and access roads
- Practice group emergency responses
Community Assets
Identify and maintain access to:
- Community evacuation centers and designated safe areas
- Large water supplies and firefighting equipment
- Alternative power sources and communication facilities
- Emergency supply caches and medical facilities
Insurance and Financial Preparation
Ensure your family is financially prepared for potential fire impacts:
Insurance Review
- Property coverage: Ensure adequate coverage for full replacement costs
- Contents insurance: Document valuable items with photos and receipts
- Alternative accommodation: Verify coverage for temporary housing during rebuilding
- Business insurance: Review coverage for income protection during extended evacuations
Financial Emergency Kit
- Cash reserves for immediate needs when electronic systems fail
- Copies of all important financial documents
- Emergency contact details for banks and insurance companies
- Pre-arranged access to funds for family members in other locations
Mental Health and Psychological Preparation
The psychological impact of bushfire threats and experiences can be significant and long-lasting:
Preparing Children
- Use age-appropriate language to explain fire risks and plans
- Practice evacuation drills as games rather than scary exercises
- Emphasize the adults' role in keeping them safe
- Identify trusted adults children can turn to if parents are unavailable
Support Networks
- Maintain connections with friends and family outside fire risk areas
- Identify mental health support services in your area
- Plan activities and routines that can continue during stressful periods
- Recognize signs of stress and anxiety in family members
Seasonal Readiness Calendar
Use this calendar to ensure your family maintains readiness throughout the fire season:
September (Early Season Preparation)
- Complete major property maintenance tasks
- Test and service all emergency equipment
- Update emergency kits and family plans
- Schedule family fire plan practice sessions
October-November (Peak Preparation)
- Daily monitoring of fire weather conditions
- Weekly equipment checks and fuel level monitoring
- Maintain heightened property maintenance
- Finalize arrangements with relatives/friends for potential evacuation
December-February (Active Fire Season)
- Daily fire weather and warning monitoring
- Immediate response to any maintenance needs
- Keep emergency kits readily accessible
- Maintain constant readiness to implement fire plans
March-April (Late Season Vigilance)
- Continue monitoring conditions during extended seasons
- Maintain equipment and property defenses
- Plan for potential late-season fire events
- Begin preparing for next season's preparations
Emergency Contacts and Resources
Every family should maintain current contact information for:
Emergency Services
- Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
- NSW Rural Fire Service: 1800 679 737
- CFA Victoria: 1800 240 667
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: 1300 130 372
- SA Country Fire Service: 1800 362 361
Support Services
- Red Cross Emergency Services: 1800 733 276
- Salvation Army Emergency Services: 1800 100 103
- Lifeline (24-hour counselling): 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now
Bushfire preparation is not a task to be postponed. The 2025 fire season is already showing signs of early activity, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as we move into the traditional danger period.
Every day of preparation now could mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Emergency services cannot reach every property during major fire events, and families must be prepared to rely on their own planning and preparation.
Remember the key message from fire authorities: "Prepare. Act. Survive." The preparation phase is happening now, and every Australian family in fire-prone areas has a responsibility to themselves and their communities to be ready.
"Fire preparation is not about creating fear – it's about creating confidence. When families have a plan, practice that plan, and maintain their preparation, they can face fire threats with confidence rather than panic," said Dr. Richard Thornton, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC.
Don't wait for the first warning. Start your fire season preparation today, because when the warnings come, it may already be too late to prepare – it will be time to act.
For the most current fire conditions and warnings in your area, visit your state emergency services website or download the appropriate emergency app for your location.