SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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SA Officially Begins Fire Danger Season Tonight

16/11/2015

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) is calling on South Australians to be prepared for bushfires this summer, with the 2015/16 Fire Danger Season officially beginning for all districts at midnight tonight.

The Adelaide Metropolitan, Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island are the last fire ban districts to commence.

CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton said last season the CFS dealt with a number of significant fires and this season, similar conditions are developing.

"The hotter, dryer weather we experienced during spring has rapidly cured vegetation, including in the Adelaide Hills, meaning that many parts of South Australia have an above normal fire potential," Mr Nettleton said.

With the Fire Danger Season underway, all South Australians need to understand the restrictions and prepare themselves, their family and their homes before a fire threatens.

Emergency Services Minister Tony Piccolo said bushfires can be extremely dynamic and last summer's fires emphasised the importance of being well prepared and staying informed during a fire.

"This includes clearing away fuel sources and developing a Bushfire Survival Plan," Minister Piccolo said.

"A Bushfire Survival Plan means working through and agreeing, well in advance, what each member of your household will do under different fire scenarios."

The CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) provides lots of useful information to help you plan and prepare.

During a fire, warning messages will be issued through local radio, the CFS website, social media, the CFS FireApp and the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.

A media launch will be held at Newland Reserve, Hallett Road - Erindale this morning at 9.30am. Emergency Services Minister Tony Piccolo, CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton and SAPOL Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval will be available for comment.

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

Government of South Australia