Harsh, dangerous summer predicted
Harsh, dangerous summer predicted
05 November 2011
published by http://au.news.yahoo.com
Australia — WA had a tough and testing summer ahead with the threat of bushfires in the south and cyclones in the north, the Weather Bureau warned yesterday.
WA manager for severe weather services Andrew Burton said extra vegetation from above average rainfall in much of WA increased the bushfire risk.
“The high fuel load does increase the risk of intense fires and if we see weather conditions create those bad days, that’s when we really are looking at the possibility of horrific fires,” he said.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority’s Chris Arnold said the authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation were increasing efforts to cut back vegetation around Perth and it was also crucial for residents to prepare homes.
DEC fire services manager Murray Carter said prescribed burning was ahead of schedule, with about 65 burns over 16,000ha completed.
Mr Burton also warned the outlook for the North West showed a 60 per cent chance of an above average number of cyclones.
“It is the most cyclone prone coast in Australia, so for people in the north, the simple message is that every season you need to prepare,” he said.
