The national bushfire outlook for July-September shows higher than average rainfall could mean more bushfire fuel later in the season

While low rainfall is dangerous for a coming fire season, the high rainfall we’ve been getting will also be a problem, as it grows more grass that could burn.

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Officials have warned of a potential dangerous bushfire season and that’s despite the projection of persistent rainfall across large parts of the state in coming months.

The seasonal outlook for July to September, compiled by the environmental department, fears a rise in grass cropping growth will generate a greater fuel load.

“The current climate outlook shows an increased chance of above normal rainfall through to September, which may increase fuel loads in grassland cropping areas into spring,” the report noted.

It explains that prescribed burns are encouraged to mitigate large fuel loads, but may not be possible due to the moisture.

“However, opportunities (for prescribed burn-offs) in the foreseeable future are limited due to fuel conditions, as the vegetation is currently too wet to burn.”

The Department of Environment and Water arranged 21 prescribed burns for autumn, but three were cancelled.

Australian Army soldiers from the 9th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery work with the Country Fire Service to put out hotspots and prevent reignition of bushfires on Kangaroo Island during Operation Bushfire Assist 2019-2020.

A department spokesman said autumn prescribed burns closed two weeks early this year due to rain and COVID-19 restrictions.

“Planned burns which were not conducted in autumn will be rescheduled for the upcoming season,” he said.

“If we have rain late in winter and into spring, it could potentially delay the start of spring prescribed burning in some regions.”

Severe weather metrologist Kylie Egan said South Australia had experienced drier than average conditions in June and July.

“Looking forward into the spring, our climate models are suggesting a higher likelihood of wetter than average conditions, particularly for the north and northeast of the state,” Ms Egan said.

A Country Fire Service spokeswoman said it was preparing and training for fire-suppression activities.

“SA Country Fire Service works closely with National Parks and Wildlife and supports its prescribed burn program, which helps to reduce the potential for bushfires to affect local communities,” the spokeswoman said.

“The use of fire, whether a prescribed burn or as a control strategy during bushfire, comes with an element of risk, which is recognised and heavily planned for to mitigate any unforeseen escape.” Last year’s bushfire season was one of the most devastating, with horrific fires in Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island.