Australia is prepared for fire season despite climate risks, maintaining contracted aerial firefighting resources.

Australia’s disaster preparedness chief says the country is ready for the upcoming fire season despite climate change intensifying risks, dismissing calls for federal ownership of firefighting aircraft. The National Aerial Firefighting Centre manages a contracted fleet of 163 aircraft, with 126 Australian-based and eight foreign-owned, plus additional planes available on call, potentially totaling over 500. Officials argue current arrangements ensure adequate access, while the government reviews expanding aerial capabilities for fires, floods, and relief. Former emergency officials stress that Commonwealth ownership is vital for sovereignty and reliability, especially as fire seasons in both hemispheres overlap. A recent climate risk assessment warns of heightened threats from fires, floods, cyclones, and marine heatwaves, with increased rainfall and flood risks on the east coast and elevated fire danger in parts of western Victoria, southeast South Australia, and northern Western Australia. Overall national fire risk remains below the 2019/20 Black Summer levels.