Across NSW, several total fire bans are already in place as officials declare the start of El Niño.
What is predicted to be in the top five hottest El Niño’s on record, Aussies are warned to expect an eclectic mix of thunderstorms, floods, tropical cyclones, heatwaves and bushfires from October into the start of 2027.
Although the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) does not recognise the existence of a ‘Super’ El Niño, it is predicted that the coming months will be tough for landholder, producers and residents alike.
Currently, Australia is on track to experience the second hottest year on record, and grounds are expected to dry significantly.
Across NSW and Victoria, bushfires have already begun to spark up and form a deadly reminder to residents to be aware and have an escape plan.
As of Tuesday, September 22, total fire bans were in place for some areas within NSW, including parts of the South West Slopes as wild winds and dry heat increased the risk of fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is also urging the community to be proactive ahead of the warmer weather by reducing potential fire hazards in and around the home.
While winter is over, the changing weather brings a new range of fire risks.
In 2025 alone, firefighters attended 1,005 residential fires across NSW in the spring.
In 45 percent of those blazes, firefighters could not find a working smoke alarm.
Ahead of the summer months, FRNSW say spring is the ideal time to remove any debris and clutter that could catch fire or block exits in an emergency.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said there was no room for complacency when it came to protecting lives and homes.
“As temperatures rise, new fire hazards present themselves in the home,” he said.
“It’s time to make sure you and your family are as prepared as you can be.
“That means checking you have working smoke alarms, creating and practicing a home escape plan, and following simple home fire safety tips like maintaining barbecues and ‘keep looking when cooking’.
“We know that almost 38 percent of fires last spring started in kitchens and cooking areas.”
Other spring safety advice includes:
• Buy a fire extinguisher and fire blanket and put them near the kitchen for easy access,
• Check your LPG-fuelled barbecue is safe and inspect gas hoses and connections before use,
• Safely dispose of barbecue coals,
• Remove flammable clutter such as newspapers and cardboard in and around your home,
• Safely dispose of any unrequired hazardous materials and chemicals. Old containers of flammable paints, solvents and thinners can fuel and intensify a residential fire,
• Clear leaves and litter from gutters to remove potential fuel for flying embers,
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it monthly,
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan,
• If a fire occurs, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
“We’re also reminding people to remain cautious with lithium-ion batteries in the home,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“A damaged lithium-ion battery can explode and release highly toxic fumes.
“Don’t charge devices with lithium-ion batteries when you’re sleeping or out of the home, don’t overcharge batteries, and make sure you only charge devices on hard surfaces that can’t catch fire.
“Finally, large batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools should not be charged in living spaces or exits.”
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