Rural and regional communities need to prepare for anticipated extreme heat this spring and summer, driven by one of the strongest El Niño events on record, farm insurance specialist WFI, part of IAG, warns. 

Elevated and sustained temperatures with low atmospheric humidity are likely to produce more days of extreme fire risk during harvesting season, impacting farming routines and reducing safe operating windows to get crops off. 

WFI meteorologist Peter Chan predicts a hot and dry spring, with temperatures expected to remain well above average, which could lead to the warmest spring and summer on record. 

“There is elevated risk of bushfires in Queensland and Northern NSW through to November," he said.

"Initially the highest risk area is on the plateau west of the ranges in both states, with vegetation further drying out after the dry winter. 

“Low-rainfall thunderstorms are also expected through the second half of spring which can be an ignition source for fires from dry lightning.” 

Climbing temperatures place heavy strain on machinery, creating additional fire risk through overheating and machinery sparks. Operators should be vigilant in maintaining equipment, with a particular focus on bearings and belts, WFI advises. 

Haystacks will be more vulnerable to spontaneous combustion in the extreme conditions. Stacks should be limited in size and stored in well-ventilated areas away from machinery and be regularly monitored for signs of heating. 

WFI says the past financial year was the worst it has seen in five years, with 73 farmers suffering haystack losses ranging in value from thousands of dollars through to hundreds of thousands worth of damage. 

WFI’s top tips to reduce fire risk include: 

• Ensure there is a cleared area around your property, firebreaks between paddock boundaries and suitable access for water tankers or fire trucks 
• Remove flammable material from the immediate perimeter of the property, and place oils or fuels in covered sheds away from the home
• Keep water tanks full and connected to pumps, and prepare hoses that reach around your home
• Carry out regular maintenance checks on harvesters, specifically the moving parts that generate heat like bearings and belts
• Regularly clean harvesters to remove build-up of dust, straw, chaff or other crop debris
• Trim overhanging trees and shrubs from around your home, keep grass short, remove all debris and leaves from gutters and downpipes if safe to do so
• Monitor fire danger ratings and declared fire bans, and conduct activities in line with your state or territory fire authority’s requirements