Wildfires in Australia today
So far in 2026, 14,823,733 hectares have burned in Australia — 57% below the 20-year average.
14,823,733 hectares so far this year, 57% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Australia ranks 16th for area burned relative to its average.
Named fires in Australia
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
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Australia is one of the most fire-prone continents on Earth, with bushfire season a defining feature of its climate. The 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires were unprecedented in scale, burning over 18 million hectares, destroying 5,900 buildings, killing 34 people, and an estimated 3 billion animals.
New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia face the highest bushfire risk. The combination of eucalyptus forests (which contain flammable oils), extreme heat, drought, and strong winds creates conditions for catastrophic fire behavior. Climate change is making fire seasons longer and more severe.
Our real-time tracker monitors all fire hotspots detected by NASA satellites across Australia's six states and two territories, providing essential information for emergency services.
Today's situation
One fire is still burning in Australia, covering some 280 hectares. The biggest by far is near Cabarlah, at around 280 hectares. 3 more broke out over the past week.
It is a relatively quiet year. Australia has lost 16,198,000 hectares so far, well below its usual 34,770,000 — the 16th worst figure among the countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Cabarlah the air is good, it is warm and dry, with a gentle wind and no rain in sight for the next 48 hours.
Updated 3 Oct
Australia wildfire season
Australia's bushfire season follows the southern-hemisphere summer, but timing varies by region. The populous southeast — New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia — peaks from December to February, while northern tropical savannas burn mainly during the dry season from winter into spring. Catastrophic fire days often coincide with extreme heat and strong, dry winds.
Eucalyptus forests, rich in flammable oils, can explode into "crown fires" that leap between treetops. State agencies issue Fire Danger Ratings and declare Total Fire Ban days when conditions are most dangerous.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2019-20 Black Summer
The most extensive bushfires on record burned over 18 million hectares, destroyed thousands of homes, killed 34 people directly, and affected an estimated 3 billion animals.
- 2009 Black Saturday
A series of fires across Victoria killed 173 people in a single day — the deadliest bushfire disaster in Australian history.
- 1983 Ash Wednesday
Fires across Victoria and South Australia killed 75 people and destroyed thousands of homes on one catastrophic February day.
Main causes & risk factors
- Eucalyptus forests whose oils make fires burn fast and hot
- Extreme heat and drought, intensified during El Niño years
- Dry lightning igniting remote bushland
- Strong, hot winds that drive fires toward communities
- A warming climate lengthening and intensifying fire seasons
Safety & preparedness
- Know your Fire Danger Rating and have a written bushfire survival plan
- Leave early on Catastrophic days rather than waiting to defend
- Use the "Fires Near Me" app and local ABC radio for warnings
- Clear gutters, leaves and flammable material around your home
- Never drive through smoke or flames — roads become death traps
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Frequently asked questions
When is bushfire season in Australia?
In the populous southeast it peaks from December to February, while northern Australia burns mainly during the dry season from winter into spring.
How bad was the Black Summer of 2019-2020?
It was the most extensive on record — over 18 million hectares burned, 34 people died directly, and an estimated 3 billion animals were affected.
Why do Australian bushfires spread so fast?
Eucalyptus forests contain flammable oils that, combined with extreme heat and strong winds, can produce explosive crown fires.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires worldwide and update several times a day.
Is this Australia bushfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Australia and the world in real time.