The influence of La Niña on Australia’s climate has had a pronounced effect on fire potential. More rain than usual in many locations over summer has helped to reduce the fire risk. However, autumn will still see hot and windy days that raise the fire risk in some locations.

In the coming months, below normal fire potential can be expected in parts of Victoria and far northern Queensland due to wet conditions and damp vegetation and soils.

In contrast, dry conditions mean that parts of central and southern Queensland inland from the coast have been assessed as above normal fire potential.

The risk of grass and crop fires continues in the coming months, particularly where the rain has fallen over summer to create good growing conditions.

In many areas, autumn is the time for prescribed burning when weather conditions allow. Fire management is a year-round business to help reduce the risk for fire seasons to come. In the north, the good wet season means that prescribed burning will be difficult during March to May.

Full details available in the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: March – May 2021​