SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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FIRE RISK WARNING FOR EP AND WEST COAST

2/05/2013

The Country Fire Service (CFS) is urging property owners in three Fire Ban Districts to refrain from conducting any burning activities tomorrow despite the Fire Danger Season having officially ended.

Total Fire Bans have been declared for the West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula and Eastern Eyre Peninsula from midnight.

Regional Commander Kevin May said it is not unusual to declare fire bans beyond the Fire Danger Season.

"Weather conditions are still monitored beyond the conclusion of the season to assess any fire risk which is why we've declared bans in three districts tomorrow," Mr May said.

"There has also been a considerable amount of burning taking place to reduce their fuel loads on private properties which must be totally extinguished if they are in these districts, otherwise a permit is required from a local council to continue burning under strict conditions."

Mr May also reminded landowners to be aware of their local Council's Code of Practice for burning-off and to follow their guidelines.

"A burn can easily get out of control unless it's carefully planned and supervised at all times, making sure it's carried out with extreme caution at the right time, including checking that the burn is fully extinguished and cold," he said.

"Some councils have environmental restrictions for burning-off, so it's important for property owners to check with their council if any restrictions apply in their local area," he said.

Mr May also advises anyone lighting a campfire to not leaving it burning and to be fully extinguished before leaving the site.

For more information about burn-offs visit the CFS website.

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

Government of South Australia