Fire Danger Season Declared by CFS

Early season for 7 Fire Ban Districts

11/10/2018

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared the Fire Danger Season will start early in the Flinders, Mid North, North West and North East Pastoral districts and the Yorke Peninsula.

The season will start as normal in the Eastern Eyre and Lower Eyre Peninsula districts, along with the West Coast on November 1.

Acting Director of Preparedness Operations Brett Loughlin said a dry winter and increased temperatures for spring has brought the fire season forward in these areas.

"Despite some areas in the state experiencing a drought, recent fires have shown us that they can still move quickly despite a reduction in fuel to burn," Mr Loughlin said.

"It will be especially important for farmers harvesting this year to ensure they have a water source on hand to extinguish a fire should it start."

For those living in these communities, CFS is encouraging them to prepare for the fire season by cleaning up around their homes.

"People can reduce the risk of fire impacting their property by doing simple things to reduce fine fuels. This means clearing vegetation near their homes, ensuring grass is mowed and maintained, clearing gutters etc.

"For those planning to burn excess vegetation on their property, please be reminded to clear a four metre break around any piles, this includes grass and leaf litter. Have someone in attendance at all times with a sustainable water source in case the fire spreads.

"In recent weeks CFS crews have been called to multiple, unattended burn-offs that spread into surrounding areas.

"It is also important to continue monitoring the fire on the days following the burn to ensure it has not rekindled.

If you would like to conduct a burn once the fire season has begun, you need to contact your Local Council for a permit and to check Environmental Protection Authority restrictions - fires are not allowed on a Total Fire Ban Day.

A Vegetation Pile Burn Code of Practice is available on the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au).

Fire Danger Season Dates:

Adelaide Metropolitan - TBA.

Eastern Eyre Peninsula - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019.

Flinders Fire Ban District - October 22, 2018 to April 15, 2019. (1 week early)

Kangaroo Island - TBA

Lower Eyre Peninsula - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019.

Lower South East - TBA.

Mid North - November 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. (2 weeks early)

Mount Lofty Ranges - TBA.

Murraylands - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019. (2 weeks early)

North East Pastoral - October 22, 2018 to March 31, 2019. (1 week early)

North West Pastoral - October 22, 2018 to March 31, 2019. (1 week early)

Riverland - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019. (2 weeks early)

Upper South East - TBA.

West Coast - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019.

Yorke Peninsula - November 1, 2018 to April 15, 2019. (2 weeks early)