SA Country Fire Service

Media release

Fire Danger Season to start early for Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Metro

06/11/2019

Drier than normal winter conditions have left much of the greater Adelaide area in rain deficit, with the Adelaide metropolitan, Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island Fire Danger Seasons beginning on November 15, two weeks earlier than normal.
"Although we may have received recent light falls, 30 centimetres under the topsoil is still bone dry," Region 1 Regional Commander Peter Phillips said.
"All we need is for a day or two of hot and windy conditions, like we had last week, and the entire region will rapidly cure and become highly flammable."
Commander Phillips said with the window closing quickly for residents to finish vegetation burns, many may have to consider other options to dispose of garden off-cuts.
Residents are also reminded to ensure that vegetation burns are completely extinguished with multiple callouts last week due to previous pile burns rekindling in the hot and windy conditions.
"For those in areas which do not allow burn offs, or won't have the time to do so safely before the Fire Danger Season begins, mulching or dropping off cuttings to council green waste depots is a better option."
Commander Phillips said with the Fire Danger Season brought forward, now was the time for people to be ensuring they have a plan if a bushfire begins.
"For all residents of the areas where we have announced the Fire Danger Season dates today, a Bushfire Survival Plan is essential, and will only take you 5 minutes to develop when you visit cfs.sa.gov.au.
"Everyone needs to be prepared, have a plan and stay informed as we enter the Fire Danger Season early again this year."

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

Government of South Australia