Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2017

This Hazard Note details the Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2017. The Outlook provides information to assist fire and land management agencies in making strategic decisions such as resource planning and prescribed fire management, to reduce the negative impacts of bushfire. Download the Outlook by clicking 'download' at the right of screen.

A strong wet season in northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory has resulted in strong vegetation growth, while a majority of northern Queensland experienced below average rainfall.

• Western Australia experienced a very much above average wet season across the north, leading to significant vegetation growth. This vegetation is now drying out, resulting in above normal fire potential.
• The Northern Territory also experienced a strong wet season, with above normal fire potential in central Australia, due to the growth of buffel grass. In the Top End, the wet season also promoted good vegetation growth, with high fuel loads, especially in areas infested with gamba grass.
• In Queensland, drought conditions continue, but some areas have received rain in the short term, leading to above normal fire potential. Areas impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March this year can also expect above normal potential due to the change in vegetation structure.

Full details are available in the Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2017.

The Outlook is a product of the Northern Australian Fire Managers Forum, which was held in Kununurra, WA, in June 2017.