SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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CFS declares Fire Danger Season dates for all districts

23/10/2014

All dates for the 2014/15 Fire Danger season have now officially been declared, with dates for some Fire Ban Districts being brought forward to start the season earlier than usual.

The Fire Danger Season begins in the Upper South East on 10 November (5 days earlier than normal) with the Lower South East district commencing on 10 November (12 days earlier).

Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban Districts will begin their Fire Danger Season on 17 November (2 weeks earlier than normal).

The Fire Danger season in the North West Pastoral, North East Pastoral, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Murraylands, Riverland and Adelaide Metropolitan Fire Ban Districts will commence as normal.

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) Director of Preparedness Operations, Leigh Miller, says advancing the start of seasons in some districts reflected concerns that South Australia's earlier than usual warm weather and drying conditions heightened the risk of fire in some regions.

"By bringing forward the Fire Danger Season dates in some areas, we are sending a clear message to South Australians to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to fire prevention, and that the unpredictable mix of high temperatures and drying winds make the potential for fires more likely," Mr Miller said.

"It's the responsibility of all South Australians to play their part in fire prevention and the declaration of Fire Danger Season dates are an important part of prevention awareness."

Mr Miller said landowners and householders should make themselves aware of what they can and can't do during the Fire Danger Season and on Total Fire Ban days.

"For the most part, they should think twice about wanting to light fires or participating in activities which might result in fires.

"If you can, postpone activities which might pose a fire risk. Where that is not possible, we urge you to contact your local Council for advice or visit the CFS website".

Mr Miller made the point that a fire permit is required for burning activities during the Fire Danger Season or on days where a Total Fire Bans is declared.

Permits may be issued under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 by an authorised officer of a local council.

For further information on the Fire Danger Season visit the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au.

Fire Danger Season dates 2014/15

North West Pastoral Fire Ban District: 1st of November 2014 - 31st of March 2015
(No change from normal)

Lower Eyre Peninsula Fire Ban District: 1st of November 2014 - 15th of April 2015
(No change from normal)

North East Pastoral Fire Ban District: 1st of November 2014 - 31st of March 2015
(No change from normal)

Upper South East Fire Ban District: 10th of November 2014 - 15th of April 2015
(5 days earlier than normal).

Lower South East Fire Ban District: 10th of November 2014 - 30th of April 2015
(12 days earlier than normal)

Murraylands Fire Ban District: 15th of November 2014 - 15th of April 2015
(No change from normal)

Riverland Fire Ban District: 15th of November 2014 - 15th of April 2015
(No change from normal)

Kangaroo Island Fire Ban District: 17th of November 2014 - 30th of April 2015
(2 weeks earlier than normal)

Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District: 17th of November 2014 - 30th of April 2015
(2 weeks earlier than normal)

Adelaide Metropolitan Fire Ban District: 1st of December 2014 - 30th of April 2015
(No change from normal).

Note: Fire Danger Season dates for the following Districts have already been announced: The Flinders, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, West Coast and Mid North Fire Ban Districts.

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

Government of South Australia