Bushfire season has officially begun in Australia, and despite copping a drenching from La Nina the country could still see devastating burns.
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NSW is facing its most significant grassfire risk in a decade, with two years of rain creating conditions for "prolific vegetation growth".
Forecast hotter and drier conditions for the second half of summer also means the overall impact this season could be much worse than many are expecting.
Grassfires can move up to three times faster than a bushfire, generating enormous amounts of heat, and flames up to five metres high.
"It can take just a few days of hot, dry and windy conditions for grassfires to take hold, even in areas which have experienced recent heavy rains and flooding," Emergency Services and Resilience Minister Stephanie Cooke told reporters on Thursday.
Near constant rain events have allowed complacency to take hold in the community, with just one in three people concerned about this year's fire season, according to NSW Rural Fire Service research.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said alarm over bushfires had abated since the devastating 2019-20 blazes, and this year less than 50 per cent of people have done anything to prepare for the season.
"While the recent focus has been on flooding events, we can't forget about the dangers of bush and grass fires," he said.
"They can start easily and spread quickly, destroying homes, crops and livelihoods.
"Farmers can help protect their properties by establishing firebreaks around paddocks, homes and other valuable assets like sheds and equipment, helping to slow a fire's spread."
Holiday-makers have also been told to check weather and fire danger ratings at their destination, and to make a plan to be able to leave any location threatened by a grass or bush fire.
This week the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council's seasonal outlook warned the bushfire risk "may quickly rise" as conditions change over summer.
"This means that it is possible for regions of below-normal bushfire potential at the start of summer to transition to normal, or even above-normal, bushfire potential later in the season," the council said in a statement.
Australian Associated Press
