Massive vegetation die-off in WA’s kiln-dry south a tinderbox for bushfires, summer outlook warns

A huge swathe of WA’s south coast is in the firing line this summer, with a hotter winter and spring leaving soil bone-dry and dead vegetation to create a tinderbox.

That’s the grim warning from AFAC, the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services, in its summer bushfire outlook released on Thursday.

A massive area spanning from Albany across to near Eucla on the South Australian border is considered an increased fire risk, along with parts of the South West.

An area inland from Kalbarri up to Carnarvon in the State’s central west is also at greater risk.

Southern Australia had below average rainfall for the cool season and into spring, with mean temperatures for April to October the third highest on record since 1910.

As a result, soil moisture was also below average, AFAC said.

“The dry winter and spring period across southern Australia means the landscape is well primed for bushfires,” chief executive Rob Webb said.

Additionally, widespread vegetation die-off from severe moisture stress across a vast tract of WA’s south has left created heavy fuel loads.

And with a warmer than average summer forecast, people are being warned to prepare their properties and be vigilant.

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said it was vital to plan ahead.

“Take the time to prepare ... and ensure you’re ready to act, should a disaster strike,” she said.

The Federal Government had responded to the heightened bushfire risk, including increasing the National Emergency Management Stockpile comprising Humanihut shelters and power, and clean water for drinking and hygiene.

“For the first time, State and Territories will have access to three federally-funded heavy lift and multi-use helicopters and one large air tanker to supplement the existing fleets,” Ms McAllister said.

Ecologists warned earlier this year that WA was poised to record more “forest collapses” — when large tracts of trees die from drying out — after an unprecedented loss of native species including jarrah and tuart in 2010 and 2011.