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El Niño triggers extreme heat alert for rural communities

By Country News

Oct 6, 2026

WFI Insurance Victorian Regional Manager Daniel Cawood. Photo by Contributed

Rural and regional communities are urged to be on alert for anticipated extreme heat this spring and summer, driven by one of the strongest El Niño events on record.

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Elevated and sustained temperatures with low atmospheric humidity are likely to produce more days of extreme fire risk during harvesting season.

Experts are predicting a hot and dry spring, with temperatures expected to remain well above average.

Climbing temperatures place heavy strain on machinery, creating additional fire risk. Operators should be vigilant in maintaining equipment.

Farmers should also be aware of the risks of haystack fires, which increase in extreme conditions.

WFI Insurance Victorian Regional Manager Daniel Cawood is urging rural communities to be vigilant around the increased fire risk and develop a fire plan.

“Having a clear plan ensures all family members know what to do before, during and after a fire, including how livestock and animals will be managed, and agreeing on a safe refuge point to meet if communication services are down.”

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.
Have an emergency kit ready which includes battery powered radio, torches and spare batteries.
Check your insurance cover is up-to-date and reflects current rebuilding costs, debris removal and has allowances for temporary accommodation if needed.