Be prepared for possible Total Fire Bans over the Easter long weekend
16/04/2019
With above average temperatures and drier than normal weather continuing this week, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is reminding holiday travellers to continue to Look and Listen for news of bushfires over the break.
Summer may seem over, but the risk for bushfires is still very high and current forecasts have several districts bordering on Total Fire Ban declarations at some point over the long weekend.
"Everyone wants to have a restful Easter long weekend, including our volunteer firefighters. So people need to be aware of where they may be travelling to, and what the conditions and fire restrictions may be in the area," CFS State Duty Commander Yvette Dowling said.
Popular holiday places within the Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, Murraylands and other parts of the state will still be within the Fire Danger Season, due to the extended dates.
"Campers in particular should make sure they are aware of restrictions on camping and cooking fires, particularly at camping sites or if Total Fire Bans are declared," Ms Dowling said.
Gas and electric cooking appliances can be used during the Fire Danger Season under the appropriate conditions.
"With the continued dryness across the state, and warmer conditions this week, we would recommend campers plan to cook with gas rather than risk a wood fire over the Easter break," Ms Dowling said.
"One small spark could quickly become a very large fire under the condition we are expecting."
The Fire Danger Season has been extended this year for the Mount Lofty Ranges and Adelaide Metropolitan areas until 12 May 2019, and the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Lower South East, Mid North, Murraylands, Riverland, Upper South East, West Coast and Yorke Peninsula until 30 April 2019.
Travellers can check which Fire Ban District they are traveling into, where Bushfire Safer Places are and what you can and can't do during the Fire Danger Season at cfs.sa.gov.au.
They should also monitor cfs.sa.gov.au, CFS social media channels on Facebook or Twitter, local radio and local media outlets to find out if Total Fire Bans have been issued for the area they are in, or to find more information if a fire is be burning in their area.
