The ACT bushfire and storm seasons officially ended last week (31 March) following significant flood damage across Eastern Australia.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the season had significantly reduced fire activity compared with the 2019-2020 season, which saw large bushfires and significant storm damage across the ACT.
“The La Nina weather event this season caused a large number of substantial storms pass through the Territory, resulting in widespread devastation across Eastern Australia,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Canberrans are still recovering from the record-breaking hailstorm in January 2020 and we were fortunate that most local storms did not cause significant damage this season,” he said.
Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA), Georgeina Whelan said the La Nina weather pattern and much needed rain reduced the threat of grass fires in the ACT.
“Our team of teams worked very hard this season responding to storm related incidents, vertical rescues, flood rescues, small grass fires and search and rescues,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“As we recognise the end of the official bushfire and storm season, we are all too aware of natural disasters occurring all year round and it is important Canberrans remain vigilant and continue to be prepared,” she said.
“I am proud of the work our members and volunteers continually undertake and I thank them for their ongoing support ensuring the safety of Canberrans.”
Commissioner Whelan said ACTESA would work hard over the coming months to prepare for the 2021-2022 bushfire and storm seasons.
