The Bureau of Meteorology is currently monitoring a strong El Niño event, which is expected to strengthen through spring and potentially reach very strong levels in late spring or summer.

These El Niño conditions brings drier conditions to central and eastern Australia, while the Bureau's latest outlook also indicates above-average temperatures across much of the country this spring. These conditions can contribute to increased fire weather and heightened bushfire risk.

While no two bushfire seasons are the same, there are practical things we can all do to prepare. And some of those actions can benefit both our homes and the environment.

Prepare your home for the worst

Start by making sure your home and property are ready. Keep gutters and roof areas clear of leaves and other debris, maintain lawns and gardens, prune vegetation away from buildings and regularly remove accumulated green waste.

Make sure hoses can reach around your home and check that your emergency supplies, insurance and important documents are up to date. NSW Government guidance recommends taking these steps before every bushfire season, while your local fire authority can provide advice specific to your area.

It is also important to have a bushfire survival plan. Know the level of risk in your area, understand local fire danger ratings and warnings, discuss what you will do with your household and know your exit routes if you need to leave. Never rely on a last-minute decision during a bushfire.

Think about planting fire-resistant species in your garden

Preparing for bushfire season can also be an opportunity to think about how our gardens and homes can become more resilient to a changing climate.

Choosing plants suited to your local conditions can reduce the amount of water needed to keep your garden healthy. Native plants adapted to your region can provide habitat and food for local wildlife, while drought-tolerant species can help gardens cope with periods of low rainfall and extreme heat. Local nurseries and councils can be a good source of advice about plants suited to your area, or you can check out Planet Ark’s native species guide.

There is no single list of 'bushfire-proof' plants, and garden design needs to take local conditions into account. Some plants are more fire tolerant than others, but even suitable vegetation can contribute to fire risk if it is allowed to become dry, overgrown or accumulate around buildings.

Good garden maintenance is therefore just as important as plant selection. NSW Government guidance recommends keeping gardens maintained, pruning plants that overhang buildings and regularly removing green waste.

Be water wise

A water-wise garden can also help us make the most of this precious resource. Water plants deeply and efficiently rather than frequently watering small amounts, consider rainwater collection where appropriate, and use groundcovers and natural mulches to help retain moisture in the soil. Choosing plants that are suited to your local climate means less water is needed to keep them healthy.

Rainwater tanks can also play an important role in a water-wise home, but they need to be properly maintained before bushfire season. Keeping roof catchments clear of vegetation and debris and maintaining gutters and tank infrastructure can help protect your water supply. If a bushfire is nearby, follow advice from your local authorities about protecting rainwater supplies.

Reduce your carbon footprint

There are also actions we can take to help address one of the most significant factors contributing to changing fire conditions: climate change. Using energy efficiently, choosing renewable electricity where possible, walking, cycling or using public transport when practical, reducing waste and making more sustainable purchasing choices can all help reduce our carbon footprint.

These actions won't prevent a bushfire, and they aren't a replacement for preparing your home or following emergency advice. But collectively, they can contribute to healthier, more resilient communities and ecosystems.

It's also worth remembering that Australia's plants and animals have evolved alongside fire for thousands of years. Many Australian plants have remarkable adaptations that help them survive and regenerate after fire. However, more frequent or intense fires can place pressure on ecosystems that are not adapted to repeated burning, and some vegetation communities can take decades or even hundreds of years to recover.