Australian firefighters are preparing for an intensified wildfire season as temperatures rise across the southern hemisphere amid a strong El Niño event. The weather pattern, known for bringing hotter and drier conditions, is expected to increase the risk of wildfires in parts of Australia.

Trent Curtin, head of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, highlighted concerns about a heightened fire threat compared to previous years. The service is recognized as the world’s largest volunteer firefighting force. Curtin pointed to severe fire activity in Europe this year, where sweltering conditions dried out vegetation and contributed to intense wildfires. Britain experienced its hottest summer on record, while Italy saw its warmest summer in 75 years. “They’re experiencing fires that they haven’t seen for a couple of decades or maybe never seen before,” he said.

Australia has faced significant wildfire challenges in recent years, notably during the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires, which ravaged an area comparable in size to Turkiye and resulted in 33 fatalities. In preparation for the upcoming season, authorities continue to conduct hazard reduction burns—controlled burns intended to lower fuel loads and mitigate the spread of potential fires.

Alex Capararo, a sector commander for the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, described the outlook as one of cautious vigilance. “We’re alert but not alarmed,” he said, acknowledging forecasts that predict a more active fire season with dry and hot conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology indicates that peak fire danger typically begins in mid-October in northern New South Wales, extending to December for southern regions of the state. Fire services remain on high alert as communities brace for what could be a challenging wildfire season driven by shifting climate conditions and ongoing environmental risks.