SYDNEY: Australia, still haunted by the memory of the devastating bushfires that struck four years ago, is once again on high alert as weather experts predict the hottest and driest period since the infamous Black Summer.
Despite it being early spring in Australia, heat records are already being shattered in the densely populated region surrounding Sydney. Some regional schools have even closed due to bushfire risks, a month ahead of the official bushfire season.
Compounding the concerns, unusual heavy rainfall since the 2019-2020 fires has led to increased vegetation growth, creating more fuel for potential fires, particularly with the arrival of the El Niño weather system, known for its hot, dry conditions, which was declared recently.
Climate scientists attribute these heightened weather extremes to global warming, with eight of Australia’s ten hottest years on record occurring since 2010.
The short time frame since the previous catastrophic bushfire season has hindered hazard reduction efforts. Some volunteer firefighters left their roles due to trauma, leading to delays in pre-emptive burns. Persistent heavy rains have also slowed controlled burns, with only 24 percent of planned hazard reduction completed.
While the starting conditions differ from the Black Summer, the threat remains significant. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Bob Rogers emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that it doesn’t have to be as severe as the previous season to cause destruction and loss of life.
Australia’s resilience is once again being put to the test as it braces for the looming fire season amidst these challenging conditions.
