As the Fire Danger Season officially concludes across all South Australian districts at midnight tonight, authorities are issuing strong warnings of persistent dry conditions that still make for significant fire risks. Despite the end of the formal danger period, dry soil conditions, light rainfall and high forest and scrub load raise ongoing concerns.
Aircraft support for fire suppression efforts will continue through to last light on Sunday, following an extension of the Country Fire Service’s (CFS) aviation resources. This comes as the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District saw an extension of the Fire Danger Season by an additional two weeks.
The Bureau of Meteorology has logged this past period from October to April as one of the state’s hottest and driest on record. Maximum temperatures have been the highest seen for much of the state and rainfall in the bottom 10 per cent for most districts, particularly affecting regions such as Yorke Peninsula, Mount Lofty Ranges, and the Mid North.
With the closure of the season, locals planning burn-offs are advised to adhere strictly to safety measures. These precautions include maintaining a clean field break of at least four metres, making sure a sufficient water supply is available, and having a responsible individual present at all times during the burn. The CFS says that most uncontrolled fires are due to inadequate planning or using inappropriate burning techniques given the environmental conditions.
Emily Bourke MLC Minister for Emergency Services says, “The end of Fire Danger Season does not mean communities can start to become complacent. Conditions are some of the driest we’ve seen and risk remains across the state, with lack of rainfall continuing to have a severe impact. Our aerial fleet will be on standby over the coming days to support volunteers, who tirelessly serve their communities year-round.”
The extensive use of aerial resources this season resulted in nearly double the water drops compared to the previous season, totalling around 3,000 drops. These efforts were critical in supporting ground crews and protecting communities throughout the prolonged and severe fire danger conditions.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin shared, “CFS volunteers have worked incredibly hard through one of South Australia’s hottest and driest Fire Danger Seasons and have ensured the losses and impacts of major fires have been significantly minimised. Every volunteer should be proud of the work they have put in to protect the community.
As an all-hazard agency our volunteers will continue to respond to incidents across the state, despite the end of the Fire Danger Season.
“Complacency is a major risk for our agency at this time of year, particularly with dry conditions and minimal rainfall forecast for the near future, so it’s imperative the South Australian community are adequately prepared and vigilant should they decide to conduct any burn offs, especially in proximity to any scrub or timbered vegetation.”
As South Australia moves out of the Fire Danger Season, the community is reminded to make sure that all fire-related activities are conducted safely and under strict guidelines to prevent any resurgence of fire outbreaks.
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