Western Australia faces an elevated bushfire risk this summer despite recent heavy rainfall, according to the 2021 National Seasonal Bushfire Outlook. The increased risk is attributed to higher grass fuel loads resulting from the rain, particularly in Perth and large parts of the Midwest-Gascoyne, Pilbara, South West, and Great Southern regions.
WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm urged the public not to be complacent due to the high rainfall, emphasising the need for everyone to develop a bushfire plan. Normal fire conditions are expected for the rest of the state, with average rainfall predicted for the far north during the wet season.
Australian meteorologists have declared a La Niña weather event, bringing the wettest spring in 10 years and an increased risk of tropical cyclones and flooding. However, the Bureau of Meteorology notes that La Niña's impacts on WA will be significantly less than in eastern states.
In February, the Wooroloo bushfire in Perth's northeast destroyed 86 homes and burnt nearly 11,000 hectares. A 40-year-old man has been charged in connection with the blaze. A bushfire task force will operate seven days a week from November to April, with rewards of up to $50,000 offered for information on arsonists.
