An above average fire risk for Collie remains in place this upcoming fire season according to the 2018 Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released last Thursday.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said due to record winter rain in the region, Collie has experienced its wettest winter in seven years.
As a result, the rainfall contributes to the accumulation of higher than average grass fuel loads, which poses more of a risk with the fire season soon approaching.
Shire of Collie chief fire control officer Julian Martin said it changes the dynamics of the fire season.
“It’s going to be an above average fire season,” he said.
“When we get a lot of winter rain we usually get a bigger burning window to do prescribed burns, but when it comes to bushfires there are a lot of grasses and a higher fuel load, which then increases the fire intensity.”
However Mr Martin said it would have been a lot worse if there had been little rain.
“If we don’t get good winter rains the soil dryness and fuel dryness is worse and the fire season ends up being a lot longer because the bush will burn a lot easier, hotter and earlier in the season,” he said.
“It also reduces the window that we can do our prescribed burning and bush fire hazard reduction.”
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM warned residents not to be complacent with the season approaching soon.
“It’s extremely important that the community takes action to prepare now to reduce the impact of these potentially catastrophic events,” he said.
“I urge everyone to play their part by preparing your home and having a bushfire plan.”
Mr Martin said because of the increased fuel load on their properties, residents would have to put in more work.