Australia must accelerate efforts to curb climate change impacts by phasing out fossil fuels in favour of renewables, energy storage, and efficiency measures, according to the Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance (AFCA).
The group says misinformation around renewable energy – particularly claims that wind farms increase fire risks – is hindering progress on the energy transition.
Cam Walker, AFCA spokesperson, said: “Renewable power facilities do not pose a significant threat of increased fire risk.
“The AFCA is concerned that misinformation about renewables is rife, and that bad faith actors are amplifying misinformation in order to slow the energy transition.”
He noted that firefighters regularly adapt to changing conditions and technologies, adding that claiming renewables introduce unique hazards disregards their professional capabilities.
Walker criticised recent media reports suggesting wind farms may create “no-fly zones” or hamper firefighting operations as exaggerated.
He said current opposition to renewable projects mirrors earlier debunked concerns over property values and health issues, and has now shifted toward fire risk despite a lack of supporting evidence.
“A common argument used by campaigners who oppose wind farms is the claim that renewables increase the risk of fire in regional communities,” Walker said.
“There is no data that we have seen that suggest that areas with wind farms have more frequent or intense fires after turbines are installed.”
Authorities also assess the overall fire risk from renewable infrastructure as minimal.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council’s Wind Farms and Bushfire Operations report states that wind farms are not expected to worsen fire behaviour or cause major ignition risks and may even reduce lightning-sparked fires by diverting strikes from the ground.
Walker added that past incidents like the 45-day Hazelwood coal mine fire serve as reminders of the far greater risks associated with fossil fuel operations.
The AFCA has released a briefing paper outlining its position on the limited fire risk posed by renewables and calling for balanced, evidence-based discussion on Australia’s energy future.
