SA on bushfire alert as heatwave continues
The Country Fire Service says heat and wind forecasts for Friday present a “significant risk”, with extreme bushfire conditions declared across much of South Australia as it swelters through the worst heatwave in more than three years.
Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
The CFS said Thursday’s bushfire risk is extreme from the west coast to the upper southeast, including the Adelaide Hills with total fire bans in place.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top temperature in Adelaide on Thursday of 41C, on day three of the five-day scorcher.
The mercury is also tipped to hit 41C on Friday before a cool change sweeps through early on Saturday, dropping temperatures to the mid-20s.
That will make it the longest string of days of 35C or more since December 2019.
On Thursday morning, the CFS said that “Friday is predicated to see numerous extreme Fire Danger Ratings in many parts of the state, with high temperatures and strong winds presenting a significant risk”.
After midday, the CFS advised that it was responding to to a fire at Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula. The CFS said the fire was near Trading Stock Road and OTC Road and advised anyone in the area to be alert, with information to come when available.
The conditions have prompted authorities to activate heatwave emergency plans, with the State Emergency Service urging people in the hottest regions to stay indoors if possible.
In some regional centres, temperatures will surge into the mid-40s, including Nullarbor which is forecast to reach a top of 45C on Thursday.
Community centres in Adelaide have been opened for rough sleepers and homelessness services are conducting outreach programs around the city.
The Red Cross will also provide free healthcare checks by phone.
-with AAP
