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Code Red issued for South Australia as heatwave continues, authorities issue total fire ban

By Kelly Noble

Posted on February 11, 2025

As temperatures near 50C, South Australia has activated a Code Red to provide essential support and shelter for homeless individuals during the extreme heatwave.

South Australia continues to face an extreme heatwave this week, with parts of the state expected to experience temperatures close to 50°C tomorrow. In response, authorities have activated a Code Red to support people who are homeless and at risk during these extreme conditions.

The severe heat has prompted authorities to issue a Code Red response from 11am on Tuesday February 11th 2025, through to 9am on Thursday, February 13th 2025. During this period, free overnight accommodation is available to those in need across several districts including Adelaide, Lower Eyre, Eastern Eyre, Flinders, Mid-North, North-East Pastoral Lands, North-West Pastoral Lands, and West Coast.

Local organisations are stepping up to provide additional support. The Hutt St Centre, for instance, is extending its operating hours and will be open from 7:15am to 4:30pm on Wednesday. Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre will also extend its hours, remaining open until 5pm on Wednesday. These centres aim to offer a safe and cool environment for individuals vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions.

Toward Home’s Resolve Team and the Adelaide North West Homelessness Alliance are expanding their outreach services to aid those affected by the heatwave. Given the life-threatening risks posed by extreme heat, especially to those affected by homelessness, community members are urged to share this information and check in on vulnerable individuals.

In addition to the health risks, the scorching temperatures bring increased fire dangers. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued various warnings, including a Severe Heatwave Warning for Kangaroo Island, West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, and North West Pastoral Districts. They have also called off previous heatwave warnings for the Eastern Eyre Peninsula and Mid North Districts while issuing a Fire Weather Warning for areas including the West Coast, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, and Mount Lofty Ranges.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) strongly advises the public to activate their Bushfire Survival Plans and remain vigilant by monitoring updates via local radio stations, the CFS website, and the Bureau of Meteorology site. On Wednesday February 12th, Extreme Fire Danger is forecasted for districts including the West Coast, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower Eyre Peninsula, and Mount Lofty Ranges, which has triggered Total Fire Bans for these areas. During the ban, very hazardous fire weather conditions are anticipated, and only houses that are well prepared and actively defended may offer safety during a fire.

Residents and visitors across affected areas are encouraged to take immediate precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this severe heat event.

Anyone facing homelessness or at risk is urged to contact Homeless Connect SA at 1800 003 308 for assistance.

What should you do

If you don’t have a plan to ensure your survival, leaving early before a fire starts is your safest option.

In making your plan, you should be aware that in high fire danger conditions, essential services including mains-fed electricity and water supply may not be available due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Landowners are asked to adhere to local harvest codes of practice which are available from your local council.
Landowners are also asked to ensure that any burn-off activities conducted today are fully extinguished before midnight tonight.
Agencies are advised to activate their Total Fire Ban procedures in preparation for these predicted fire weather conditions