CFS emphasises the importance of being 'Bushfire Ready' ahead of an early start to the Fire Danger Season
31/10/2024
The expected hotter and drier conditions currently being experienced across South Australia means the Fire Danger Season will be brought forward two weeks for Mt Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Metropolitan districts, highlighting the increased fire danger risks facing South Australians this bushfire season.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said the decision to bring forward the Fire Danger Season in these districts was done in consultation with local Bushfire Management Committees and serves as a strong indicator of the importance of everyone being 'bushfire ready' this year.
The CFS is launching its annual Be Bushfire Ready Campaign today, with a strong focus on simplifying the steps all South Australians need to take when preparing for the bushfire season.
"Whether you live, work, or travel through a bushfire risk area, it is critical that all South Australians are prepared for the upcoming Fire Danger Season and know what to do if a bushfire starts near them," said Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM.
"Preparing for the bushfire season is a shared responsibility - CFS staff and volunteers dedicate months of training to be ready to protect their communities and are urging everyone to do their bit by getting their properties and bushfire plans ready," Mr Loughlin said.
Research conducted earlier this year shows over half of residents who live in a bushfire risk area are aware they are under prepared for the bushfire season but do not appear to be addressing this, reinforcing the complacency in the community.
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Chief Officer, Jeff Swann, said the MFS encourages all South Australians to know their risk and prepare their homes and families ahead of this Fire Danger Season.
"Many South Australians living on the outskirts of Adelaide mistakenly believe they are not in a bushfire risk area, but these fires can have devastating effects in their communities," Mr Swann said.
"During a bushfire, embers can travel kilometres ahead of the fire and can cause most houses to catch fire when sparks or burning embers settle on or around your home."
"It is essential for residents living on the outskirts of Adelaide, Adelaide Hills and larger country towns to plan and prepare for what they will do when a bad fire day approaches - including where they will go, when they will leave, what they will take."
Not prepared yet, or want more information on preparing your property? Visit cfs.sa.gov.au/bushfire-ready.
Be Bushfire Ready 2024 campaign assets are available here: https://we.tl/t-rtUJhBmzZP
2024/25 Fire Danger Season dates
Adelaide Metropolitan Area: 15 November 2024 - 30 April 2025 (early start)*
Eastern Eyre: 15 October 2024 - 15 April 2025 (early start)
Flinders: 15 October 2024 - 15 April 2025
Kangaroo Island: 15 November 2024 - 30 April 2025 (early start)
Lower Eyre Peninsula: 15 November 2024 - 15 April 2025
Lower South East: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025 (early start)
Mid North: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025
Mount Lofty Ranges: 15 November 2024 - 30 April 2025 (early start)*
Murraylands: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025
North East Pastoral: 15 October 2024 - 31 March 2025
North West Pastoral: 15 October 2024 - 31 March 2025
Riverland: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025
Upper South East: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025 (early start)
West Coast: 15 October 2024 - 15 April 2025
Yorke Peninsula: 1 November 2024 - 30 April 2025
