SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Warm weather a prompt for community to get busy preparing for fire season ahead

02/10/2015

Unseasonal warm weather is a prompt for the community to use common sense this long weekend and consider using the time to prepare for the upcoming summer.

Despite the higher temperatures the fire danger season has not commenced, however the community is urged to still be mindful when lighting campfires, barbeques and operating machinery.

CFS State coordinator Yvette Dowling says this weekend is also the perfect opportunity to create a bushfire survival plan.

"Last year suburbs and towns come close to being impacted by bushfire and many residents had never considered having a bushfire survival plan.

"It's not that hard to be bushfire ready, and there are simple things all of us can do that could save ourselves and our families this summer."

Ms Dowling said people in bushfire prone areas are advised to clear away vegetation which could fuel a bushfire later in the season.

"Get the lawnmower out and cut the long grass, fire up the whipper snipper, reduce any overgrown areas, and clear the leaves out of your gutters," she said.

The October long weekend is the last public holiday before the fire danger season and people are urged to maintain a common sense approach to campfires and barbeques.

"There may not be fire bans but conditions are obviously warmer than you would typically expect during the October long weekend so we ask people to be mindful of the increased risk," she said.

Landowners are asked to check on recent burn-offs to ensure they are fully extinguished and to check with their local council regarding permits for future burn-offs. More information and guidelines for burn-offs can be found on the CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au.

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

Government of South Australia