SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS FOR SAFE FIRE SEASON

1/05/2013

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has ended the Fire Danger Season with the last of its nine fire ban districts declaring their season closed at midnight.

Although the 2012/13 Fire Danger Season resulted in many bushfire incidents across South Australia, property damage was relatively minimal and with no deaths or serious injuries.

Between November 1 and April 30, the CFS attended more than 2,100 rural incidents including bushfires and involved more than 9,300 Brigade turnouts from all incidents over this period.

Nearly every area of the State experienced large-scale bushfires over the summer including the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the South East.

This included bushfires at Tulka, Coomunga, Marcollat, Sevenhill, Rockleigh, Minlaton, Currumulka, Robe, Tilley Swamp and Wattle Flat.

CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton praised the efforts of volunteers and the numerous farm fire units that were activated during this period.

"Many CFS volunteers and private landowners gave up their annual leave over the Christmas and New Year period to help bring bushfires under control," Mr Nettleton said.

"CFS volunteers sacrifice their time with family and friends to ensure their communities are kept safe from fire and other emergencies."

But the CFS Chief said this commitment will continue beyond the fire danger season.

"The CFS is more than a bushfire service with more than 13,500 volunteers trained to respond to other emergencies such as structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, hazardous material spills and extreme weather incidents," Mr Nettleton said.

"I extend my gratitude to these men and women who are at the frontline of emergency responses day and night, 24/7," he said.

"For all their achievements, we say thanks for a job well done!"

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

Government of South Australia