Drought-hit areas of NSW face elevated fire risk this winter, the Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services says.

Fire potential has also increased in northern WA, according to the council’s latest bushfire outlook.

“Above-normal fire potential is expected in drought-affected areas of central and northern NSW later in winter, driven by unusually hot and dry autumn conditions that have expanded drought across much of the state,” the winter outlook says.

“In WA, risk of fire is expected to be mostly average, with increased risk in parts of Dampierland, the northern Great Sandy Desert and the Ord Victoria Plain as the dry season progresses.”

In Australia’s southeast, the potential for drier and warmer than normal conditions have authorities watching fuel loads.

“Without significant rainfall, there is potential for increased fire activity later in the year.”

Council CEO Rob Webb said: “Contrasting but equally important bushfire risks are evident across NSW and WA.

“Communities are encouraged to be vigilant, even in areas of Australia that show a normal risk of fire this season.”