CFS declares Fire Danger Season for South East, Murraylands and Riverland

Thursday, 15 October 2026

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared start dates for the 2026-27 Fire Danger Season across an additional 4 Fire Ban Districts in the south eastern part of the state.

The Fire Danger Season will begin on 1 November 2026 in the Lower South East, Murraylands, Riverland, and Upper South East districts in line with the 2025-26 dates.

CFS Director Community Risk and Resilience Alison May said with increased fuel loads observed across the state, now is the time for South Australians to be preparing for the season ahead.

“We are urging all South Australians to do their part and prepare for the Fire Danger Season by preparing their properties and making or reviewing their Bushfire Survival Plans,” Ms May said.

“Even as we approach the start of the Fire Danger Season, it’s important to remember that fires can happen at any time and people need to be bushfire ready.

“This is the time to be looking around your property and clearing gutters, removing fallen branches and debris, and moving other flammable materials away from your home.

“Include the whole family in your bushfire preparations and ensure the whole family understands what to do in an emergency. Something as simple as creating a 5-minute bushfire plan on the CFS website can be a great first step in your preparations.”

Dates for the remaining 5 districts – Adelaide Metropolitan Area, Kangaroo Island, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, and Yorke Peninsula – will be announced in the coming weeks following further local consultation with relevant Bushfire Management Committees.

A permit is required for most burning activities during the Fire Danger Season or on days where a Total Fire Ban is declared. Permits may be issued under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 by an authorised officer of a local council.

For more information on restrictions during the Fire Danger Season, how to prepare your home and property for the bushfire season, and how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit the CFS website at cfs.sa.gov.au.

2026-27 Fire Danger Season dates

Adelaide Metropolitan Area: TBC
Eastern Eyre: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027
Flinders: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027
Kangaroo Island: TBC
Lower Eyre Peninsula: 15 November 2026 - 15 April 2027
Lower South East: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027
Mid North: TBC
Mount Lofty Ranges: TBC
Murraylands: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027
North East Pastoral: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027
North West Pastoral: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027
Riverland: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027
Upper South East: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027
West Coast: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027
Yorke Peninsula: TBC.

Media release
CFS declares Fire Danger Season for South East, Murraylands and Riverland Thursday, 15 October 2026 SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared start dates for the 2026-27 Fire Danger Season across an additional 4 Fire Ban Districts in the south eastern part of the state. The Fire Danger Season will begin on 1 November 2026 in the Lower South East, Murraylands, Riverland, and Upper South East districts in line with the 2025-26 dates. CFS Director Community Risk and Resilience Alison May said with increased fuel loads observed across the state, now is the time for South Australians to be preparing for the season ahead. “We are urging all South Australians to do their part and prepare for the Fire Danger Season by preparing their properties and making or reviewing their Bushfire Survival Plans,” Ms May said. “Even as we approach the start of the Fire Danger Season, it’s important to remember that fires can happen at any time and people need to be bushfire ready. “This is the time to be looking around your property and clearing gutters, removing fallen branches and debris, and moving other flammable materials away from your home. “Include the whole family in your bushfire preparations and ensure the whole family understands what to do in an emergency. Something as simple as creating a 5-minute bushfire plan on the CFS website can be a great first step in your preparations.” Dates for the remaining 5 districts – Adelaide Metropolitan Area, Kangaroo Island, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, and Yorke Peninsula – will be announced in the coming weeks following further local consultation with relevant Bushfire Management Committees. A permit is required for most burning activities during the Fire Danger Season or on days where a Total Fire Ban is declared. Permits may be issued under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 by an authorised officer of a local council. For more information on restrictions during the Fire Danger Season, how to prepare your home and property for the bushfire season, and how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit the CFS website at cfs.sa.gov.au. 2026-27 Fire Danger Season dates Adelaide Metropolitan Area: TBC Eastern Eyre: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027 Flinders: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027 Kangaroo Island: TBC Lower Eyre Peninsula: 15 November 2026 - 15 April 2027 Lower South East: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027 Mid North: TBC Mount Lofty Ranges: TBC Murraylands: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027 North East Pastoral: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027 North West Pastoral: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027 Riverland: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027 Upper South East: 1 November 2026 - 30 April 2027 West Coast: 15 October 2026 - 15 April 2027 Yorke Peninsula: TBC.
Media information For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Media release

CFS declares Fire Danger Season for South East, Murraylands and Riverland