Emergency Services Agency commissioner Dominic Lane said ACT residents should prepare now in the face of a higher than usual threat.

He said everywhere along the south-eastern coast of Australia was bracing for a season of elevated bushfire risk.

"There are large parts of Canberra that are bushfire prone," he said.

"Anyone who lives in the ACT may find themselves in a bushfire prone zone, whether it's where they live, where they work or where they may have relatives."

Commissioner Lane said the coming season could be the worst since 2003, when hundreds of homes were destroyed and four people were killed.

He said while significant rains could change that outlook, a drier than average winter has created potentially hazardous fire conditions.

"The Bureau of Meteorology advise us to only expect average to slightly above average rainfall to at least November," he said.

"This means the ACT will not receive enough rain during this period to recover from the lack of rain during the winter months. The outlook for the area immediately surrounding the ACT is the same."

Commissioner Lane said people should create a bushfire survival plan and head to the ESA website to learn how to prepare.

"Start preparing now instead of waiting for bushfires to arrive," Commissioner Lane said.

"We have the most significant population living to the east of a large mountain range of national parks and forested areas.

"That brings its own set of unique challenges. It just reminds us there's a must greater risk.

"But let's not forget our farmers and people in rural areas facing similar challenges."