Bushfires are caused by a combination of ignition sources and combustible conditions in the environment. They start when fuel (vegetation and other burnable material), oxygen, and heat come together, and an ignition source provides the initial spark. Once ignited, a fire can spread rapidly depending on weather, terrain, and fuel. Key causes and contributing factors

• Natural ignition sources
  • Lightning strikes are a major natural trigger, especially in dry conditions or forests with abundant dry undergrowth.
  • Volcanic activity or other rare natural events can ignite vegetation.
• Human-related ignition sources
  • Unattended or improperly managed campfires, agricultural burns that get out of control, discarded cigarettes, and equipment that produces sparks (e.g., chainsaws, grinding tools).
  • Arson or negligent behavior that starts fires in dry, windy conditions.
  • Debris burning and prescribed burns that escape containment.
• Weather and climate influences
  • Extended droughts, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds increase fire danger by drying fuels and accelerating spread.
  • Wind reroutes and feeds flames, while slopes can speed uphill fire movement.
• Fuel conditions
  • The amount, type, and moisture of fuel determine how intensely a fire burns and how quickly it spreads.
  • Fine fuels (grass, twigs) ignite and transfer heat rapidly; heavier fuels (logs, timber) sustain longer burning.

Preventive and control considerations

• Reducing fuel loads (slashing, clearing undergrowth, prescribed burns where safe and appropriate) lowers fire intensity.
• Managing ignition sources (campfire bans, careful disposal of cigarettes, equipment maintenance) reduces spark risk.
• Preparedness and planning (firebreaks, early warning systems, evacuation plans) help communities respond quickly when a fire starts.
• Weather monitoring and suppression resources (air and ground teams, water bombing) respond to active fires and limit spread.

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