SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Make it your business to be bushfire ready

30/10/2014

The CFS advises anyone who plans to build a new home in a bushfire-prone area to understand the risks and planning requirements in their local council area.

CFS Manager Development Assessment Service Terry Hassam said a development application for a dwelling in a High Bushfire Risk Area will be referred to the CFS to assess its degree of difficulty in protecting the building from bushfire.

"All new dwellings and tourist accommodation must satisfy a series of criteria for approval," Mr Hassam said.

"These conditions may include the provision of water supply of at least 22,000 litres, setting the building back 20 metres from flammable vegetation and having adequate road or track access for the entry and exit of fire fighting vehicles."

New buildings are also assessed by a building certifier against the provisions of building rules to ensure they are designed and constructed to provide an appropriate level of protection ranging from sparks, embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact.

Details of building construction requirements in South Australia for the bushfire attack level of the site can be found in the state variations of the Building Code of Australia.

This week the CFS has been hosting Bushfire Action Week and to remind all property owners, landlords and tenants in bushfire prone areas of their responsibilities to have a plan in the event of a fire.

A Bushfire Survival Plan is an effective way to prepare a family in a domestic dwelling or staff in a business premises against the threat of bushfires through an understanding of individual responsibilities and assigned duties.

For more information on bushfire safety and developing a Bushfire Survival Plan visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.

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

Government of South Australia