Australia’s bushfires were held at bay by five wet years — but experts warn the country is ‘ready to burn’

Australians should “expect the unexpected” this bushfire season amid dangerous conditions, experts have warned, after a severe start that saw a firefighter killed and homes destroyed in several states.

Bushfires at Koolewong and Bulahdelah in New South Wales destroyed 20 homes and a natural disaster has been declared in several local government areas, while wind-driven fires at Dolphin Sands in eastern Tasmania razed 19 houses and damaged dozens more.