SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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TOUR DOWN UNDER FANS REMINDED TO STAY 'BUSHFIRE AWARE' IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS FOLLOWING DISASTROUS FIRES

19/01/2015

Fans of the Tour Down Under visiting rural areas to watch the race are asked to be particularly 'bushfire aware' in the light of the disastrous fires which swept through the Sampson Flat, Kersbrook and Gumeracha areas two weeks ago.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) warns that despite cooler weather and some rain in the Adelaide Hills, the potential for bushfire remains very high and any spark or source of ignition in roadside grasses or other bushland vantage points could prove disastrous.

CFS State Coordinator Mark Thomason called on everyone visiting rural areas to watch the race to be particularly vigilant.

"The CFS wants everyone who visits the various rural legs of the Tour to enjoy themselves but to consider the potentially disastrous effects a moment's inattention might have.

"A hot exhaust pipe on dry grass, a carelessly discarded cigarette butt, or an empty clear glass or plastic water bottle on the ground could all ignite fire under the right circumstances.

"We would expect all South Australians to be aware of the fire risk, but visitors from interstate and particularly from overseas might not have an understanding of just how dry South Australia is at present.

"We ask all South Australian fans to play their part in bushfire protection and not only to be aware of their own actions, but also to help the CFS by watching over our guests from interstate and overseas," Mr Thomason said.

The CFS has asked its emergency service partner, SAPOL, to wherever possible, divert or direct traffic to areas without roadside grass, such as intersecting roads or driveways.

Motorists will also be requested to turn off their vehicles' engines when stationary.

"We are calling on all fans to heed the 'know the risk, look around – don't start a fire' message as they seek vantage points and wait for the race to pass, and again as they return home," Mr Thomason said.

For media enquiries telephone the CFS Media Line on (08) 8212 9849

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

Government of South Australia