Persistent dry conditions, high temperatures and strengthening winds may push the Lower South East of South Australia into a Total Fire Ban on Saturday.
Country Fire Service State Duty Commander Brenton Hastie said although it may feel like we are out of the Fire Danger Season, the risk still remains for large fires to break out.
“Over the long weekend, particularly Saturday, the Lower South East will reach conditions that will likely trigger a Total Fire Ban,” Mr Hastie said.
Holiday makers travelling along the Limestone Coast, from the southern areas of the Coorong to the state border, should plan to not use solid fuels for cooking or heating.
“When Total Fire Bans are issued only gas or electric barbecues are permitted under certain conditions,” Mr Hastie said.
“Wood smokers and wood fired pizza ovens are also not allowed.”
Mr Hastie said people caught using wood fires in the area, if a Total Fire Ban is announced, could face prosecution.
“The Lower South East has seen several large fires this season, including the devastating fire near Lucindale, so it would be great if people can go gas or electric over the break and give our volunteer firefighters a rest over the long weekend.”
People travelling away from home for the Easter break should install the AlertSA app or listen to local radio stations to be notified if fires do start in their area.
“If a fire does break out in an area you are travelling through, don’t travel towards the smoke or fire, and go to the nearest Bushfire Safer Place or built up area until the risk has reduced.
“With many areas still having a whole month to go before their Fire Danger Season is finished, now is not the time to become complacent,” Mr Hastie said.
The Total Fire Ban, if required, will be declared after 4:00pm on Friday.
Details on what activities are allowed during Total Fire Bans and when Fire Danger Seasons are ending across the state are available at cfs.sa.gov.au
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