Firefighters have warned WA could experience a longer-than-usual bushfire season after the wettest winter in almost 30 years expected to increase fuel loads — when it eventually dries out.

Department of Fire and Emergency Commissioner Darren Klemm said the start to the summer bushfire season in WA’s south, including the metropolitan area, was due to start in November while the Kimberley and Pilbara had already experienced blazes.

Mr Klemm said recent winter downpours had created a “a double edged sword” for firefighters bracing for what’s ahead.

“We’re going to see certainly the fuel is going to take longer to dry out, because there’s more soil moisture available in the soil,” he said.

“Then, of course, once it does, as it dries out, we can see greater growth — we’re going to see perha

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