It is during our darkest moment that we must focus to see the light - Aristotle
The CFS has designated 16 February as ‘Bushfire Resilience Day’, an occasion to honour those who lost their lives in a South Australian bushfire, recognise the strength of those who recovered from a disaster experience and adapted to their changed lives, and encourage positive actions that build greater bushfire resilience.
In 1977, the SA Country Fire became a unified state-funded agency under the Country Fires Act. Since then, bushfires in South Australia have resulted in the significant loss of lives, homes, pets, belongings, livestock and other sources of livelihoods. Bushfires have also had a lasting mental health affect on communities.
Climate change means there is a significant likelihood of more severe, more frequent, and longer climatic events over the coming years. This only increases the need for people to be educated, informed and supported to build greater resilience in emergency situations.
As a fire and rescue agency, the 16 February has great significance as it is the anniversary of Ash Wednesday 1983, a pivotal moment for many and one that helped shape the CFS as it is stands today. Since then, the CFS has demonstrated the benefit of a centrally organised and state-funded organisation, highly trained volunteer base, state-of-the-art equipment, and safe systems of work to enable our members to safely respond to bushfires.
