Southern Australia's bushfire risk:
NSW
Fears for an above-normal fire season in forested areas on and east of the Great Dividing Range
ACT
Risk is considered "greater than ever before". Bone-dry conditions expected to make grasslands and forests flammable earlier than usual. Bushfire season declared a month early on September 1.
Queensland
Very early start to fire season, with record danger in the south-east in August. Above normal activity expected from Rockhampton down to Stanthorpe.
Victoria
Two years of record low rainfall during autumn and winter in East Gippsland has left forests significantly more flammable than normal. Unusually early bushfire activity started in July and August.
Western Australia
Good winter rainfall but warmer and drier spring expected. Above normal fire potential expected in areas including parts of the Darling Range, South West and Great Southern.
South Australia
Average fire season expected for most of the state but risk could be higher in the north adjoining the WA border. Parts of the Riverlands, Murraylands, and the Flinders Ranges are particularly dry.
Tasmania
Normal fire season but elevated danger on the eastern coastal strip between Orford and St Helens.
* Source: Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, covering every jurisdiction excluding the Northern Territory.
Source: AAP - SBS