Waste pile fire prompts CFS warning

4/03/2013

The CFS was called to an organic waste fire this morning which was the second in just over eight hours to have started by spontaneous combustion in the State's Mid North.

Just after 10.30am, about 20 firefighters and five trucks responded to the fire on the Auburn-to-Manoora Road, about four kilometres east of Auburn.

The CFS arrived at the rural property to find two piles of chicken manure burning.

They were among 14 piles, each containing 80 tonnes of the organic waste.

CFS Prevention Services Manager Leigh Miller said rain that fell in parts of the region last Thursday may have contributed to these fires.

"The moisture in organic waste can cause it to eventually self-combust and start a fire," Mr Miller said.

"We're therefore reminding farmers and property owners with piles of similar waste, to check and inspect their heap for any signs of smouldering or burning, such as smoke," he said.

"If they do discover that it is burning, to notify the CFS by ringing Triple Zero."

The fire continues to burn but is posing no threat to any property.

This incident follows a similar fire early this morning involving a large pile of floor sweepings and chaff-dust at a hay-processing plant, east of Port Wakefield.

"If left unattended these types of fires could generate burning embers and cause an unacceptable risk by potentially resulting in harmful fires," Mr Miller said.

"Windy conditions can also increase the risk of a fire spreading."

The Fire Danger Season continues to apply to all of South Australia's 15 Fire Ban Districts and any fires including burning waste material will require a permit to be issued by a local council Fire Prevention Officer or their representative.

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