Wildfires in Australia today
So far in 2026, 17,473,370 hectares have burned in Australia — 50% below the 20-year average. Right now 1 wildfire is burning.
17,473,370 hectares so far this year, 50% 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 Western Australia, 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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Western Australia is the largest state in the country and has two very different fire seasons. The South West, the Perth Hills and the Wheatbelt burn in the hot, dry summer, while the Pilbara and the Kimberley burn during the northern dry season.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions lead bushfire response, and official warnings are published on Emergency WA. This map shows every fire hotspot detected by NASA satellites in Western Australia, together with the named fires we track.
Today across Australia
Three fires are still burning in Australia, covering some 950 hectares between them. The biggest by far is near Dajarra, at around 500 hectares. Eight more broke out over the past week.
It is a quiet year. Australia has lost 17,369,357 hectares so far, well below its usual 34,770,448 hectares—the 16th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Dajarra it is hot and dry, with a gentle wind and no rain in sight over the next 48 hours.
Updated 19 Oct
Western Australia wildfire season
In the South West and around Perth, the season runs from about December to March, driven by hot easterly winds and the dry Mediterranean-style summer. In the Kimberley and the Pilbara, grass and savanna fires are common through the dry season, roughly from April to November.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2021 Wooroloo fire
In February 2021 a fire in the Perth Hills destroyed 86 homes around Wooroloo, Gidgegannup and Brigadoon.
- 2016 Waroona and Yarloop fire
In January 2016 a fire that started near Waroona destroyed most of the historic town of Yarloop; two people died.
- 2015 Esperance fires
Fires near Esperance in November 2015 killed four people.
Main causes & risk factors
- Hot, dry easterly winds in summer in the South West
- Homes on the bush fringe of Perth and in the Perth Hills
- Thick grass in the north after good wet seasons
- Lightning across very large, remote areas
Safety & preparedness
- Check the Fire Danger Rating and Emergency WA warnings every day in season
- Know your Total Fire Ban and Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban rules
- Make a bushfire plan and leave early if your area is threatened
- Prepare a 20-metre building protection zone around your home
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Frequently asked questions
When is bushfire season in Western Australia?
In the South West and around Perth, from about December to March. In the Kimberley and the Pilbara, fires are common through the dry season, roughly April to November.
Where are official warnings for WA published?
On Emergency WA, run by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
What was the Wooroloo fire?
A February 2021 fire in the Perth Hills that destroyed 86 homes.
Where does this map's data come from?
Fire hotspots come from NASA's FIRMS satellites, which detect active fires several times a day.