SA Country Fire Service

Media release

<Message Starts>

Warning over Burn offs this weekend

23/10/2015

Now the Fire Danger Season dates have been announced, SA Country Fire Service (CFS) expects to see many in the community conducting burn offs in an effort to clean up their property.

However, with the high fire danger weather forecast for the weekend, CFS advises residents not start their burns this weekend. Aside from the obvious any public safety risks, any people lighting or maintaining a fire on a Total Fire Ban day may face a maximum penalty of $10,000 and a two year jail term.

CFS State Co-ordinator Leigh Miller said Sunday may be declared a Total Fire Ban in the Mount Lofty Ranges and other Fire Ban Districts if current predictions are correct.

Unless a permit is obtained from your local council, any fires already burning will need to be completely extinguished if a Total Fire Ban is declared and the area will need to be monitored to make sure it does not reignite.

"It's great to see residents are cleaning up their properties in preparation to the Fire Danger Season, but they still need to be careful," said Mr Miller.

"Regardless of whether a Total Fire Ban is declared people should consider postponing their burns until we have milder conditions."

For more information about burn offs and restrictions on days of total fire bans visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au.

<Message Ends>

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

Government of South Australia