SA's firefighters on high alert as dry conditions ramp up late-season fire risk
14/03/2025
South Australian firefighters will be on high alert tomorrow as Extreme Fire Danger conditions are forecast in nine districts across the state.
Saturday's predicted high temperatures, along with a record-breaking dry start to the year, have created increased autumn fire risk.
Extreme Fire Danger Ratings are expected in the following districts:
- West Coast
- Eastern Eyre Peninsula
- Lower Eyre Peninsula
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- Yorke Peninsula
- Upper South East
- Lower South East
- Mid North
- Kangaroo Island
The state-wide risk has also resulted in CFS requesting assistance from the Victorian Country Fire Authority as part of the mutual support arrangements we have with our interstate partners, with 56 firefighters crossing the border to bolster our volunteer response.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM said tomorrow's extreme fire risk means the South Australian community must be prepared.
"I would advise South Australians to review their bushfire survival plans and remain alert to their surroundings - if you see an unattended fire, please ensure you report it," Mr Loughlin said.
"We are not out of the woods regarding the fire threat for this season and now is not the time to be complacent about the dangers that exist.
"It is critical that people know what restrictions are in place and seek the right information for their location, even if they are not in a district under Total Fire Ban."
Meanwhile, the Victorian firefighters will arrive today, ahead of tomorrow's extreme weather.
"Since Monday, CFS volunteers have been working tirelessly at more than 180 rural fire incidents, which have included large fires at Ngarkat and Woolmit in the state's south," Mr Loughlin said.
"With the extreme conditions expected across the state tomorrow, the ability to call on our Victorian colleagues to support our people is highly appreciated.
"This is an excellent reflection on how the states work together in times of need."
Minister for Emergency Services Emily Bourke said cross-border support would bolster firefighting efforts and help keep South East communities safe.
"We are very grateful to receive this support to assist local crews, who have recently helped fight significant fires in Victoria," Minister Bourke said.
"Hot and dry conditions have remained heading into autumn and South Australians need to stay vigilant, maintain their properties and monitor the fire risk."
SA State Emergency Services Chief of Staff Derren Halleday said considering tomorrow's extreme heat, it is advisable that people stay hydrated and carry water with them if going outside.
"We are also seeing the effects of prolonged heat stress on trees, resulting in a significant number of branches dropping," Mr Halleday said.
"In the past week, the SASES has attended over 130 call outs for fallen trees and branches and, sadly, we have seen three people injured.
"Trees have also dropped on houses, cars and across roads and we know that March in Adelaide is a very busy time of year, so we ask people to be vigilant around the risk of falling branches and consider alternative options for shade if available.''
Bureau of Meteorology Emergency Services Meteorologist Jonathan Fischer said we have experienced the state's second hottest summer on record.
"Tomorrow, we'll see temperatures once again soar to the high 30s or low 40s across the state, previously Adelaide has only seen one day after the 13th of March exceed 40 degrees in 138 years of record (that was in 2008), and we are within striking distance of 40 degrees tomorrow," Mr Fischer said.
"In terms of dryness, for Adelaide it's now the driest start to the year since 1989, and this is also the case for many other areas."
