Australian authorities have issued a warning that the Northern Territory (NT) is facing its most severe bushfire season in more than ten years. Bushfires NT’s chief fire control officer, Tony Fuller, indicated that a current fire near Alice Springs is just the beginning of a potentially catastrophic season.
He predicted that as much as 80% of the NT could be affected by fires before the season concludes in March, attributing the heightened risk to high fuel loads resulting from years of abundant rainfall. Fuller noted that similar circumstances occurred in 2011-12 when 80% of the NT was lost to fires.
He added that the recent rains before this season have further contributed to the buildup of fuel. The ongoing fire near Alice Springs, which reached the city on August 12, serves as a preview of what’s anticipated for the rest of the season in Central Australia. The fire season in the northern part of the territory concludes in November, while central Australia’s fire season begins in October.