SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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DON'T LET YOUR BURN-OFFS GET AWAY

24/10/2012

The CFS is strongly urging landholders who are conducting burn-offs on their land to supervise it at all times and prevent fires getting out of control.

CFS Acting Regional Commander Jason Druwitt said many land owners on rural properties are currently conducting burn-offs to reduce fuel loads ahead of the start of the fire danger season.

"Rural property owners have also been taking advantage of the weather to conduct their burn-offs but we've also become aware that some are burning vegetation and rubbish without monitoring the progress of the burn," Mr Druwitt said.

"Weather conditions can change suddenly and wind gusts can blow embers away from the burn-off perimeter that can start fires and potentially cause damage to other properties," he said.

"The CFS supports the efforts of property owners to reduce their fuel loads but also stresses the importance of supervising burn-offs at all times to prevent unnecessary fires."

Smoke in the Port MacDonnell area in the state's south-east has resulted in several inquiries to the CFS which have been identified as burn-offs, including a property on Millards Road which is expected to burn for most of this week.

"Although the smoke is visible over a wide distance and the glare of the fire becomes more prominent at night, this fire is not posing any threat," Mr Druwitt said.

For more information about current incidents visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au

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Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia