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Dry spring prompts early SA bushfire season alert

Fire danger season will start early for three South Australian regions after a hotter, drier spring raised concerns about higher summer fire risks.

Oct 11, 2024, updated Oct 11, 2024

SA Country Fire Service said today that fire danger season will start three weeks early for the Lower South East on November 1, and two weeks early for Upper South East and Eastern Eyre districts on November 1 and October 15 respectively.

All other SA districts will begin their fire danger season around the same time as last year, while Kangaroo Island dates are expected to be announced in coming weeks.

The CFS said the decision was made after consulting Bushfire Management Committees and a final declaration from Chief Officer Brett Loughlin.

CFS Director of Community Risk and Resilience, Alison May, said committees had reported that dry conditions had seen all landscapes cure faster than an average spring.

“The continued growth in forests and scrub areas during this period has prompted the decision to commence the Fire Danger Season early in the Eastern Eyre, Upper South East and Lower South East districts,” May said.

“However, while these areas are commencing their fire season earlier, we should not take our eyes off the ball in other districts because we all know the risks that come with the warmer months in our state.

“We are urging all South Australians to share the responsibility of preparing for the upcoming Fire Danger Season by preparing their properties and making or reviewing their Bushfire Survival Plans.”

Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan warned against “complacency” ahead of a predicted hotter, drier summer.

“The message to South Australians is to prepare now, especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area,” he said.

“With very dry conditions and vegetation already starting to cure across the state, certain dates have been brought forward due to the heightened bushfire risk.”

A local council permit is required for most burning activities during fire danger season or during a declared total fire ban.

2024/25 Fire Danger Season dates by district:

Adelaide Metropolitan Area: 1 December 2024 – 30 April 2025

Eastern Eyre: 15 October 2024 – 15 April 2025 (early start)

Flinders: 15 October 2024 – 15 April 2025

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Kangaroo Island: TBC

Lower Eyre Peninsula: 15 November 2024 – 15 April 2025

Lower South East: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025 (early start)

Mid North: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025

Mount Lofty: 1 December 2024 – 30 April 2025

Murraylands: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025

North East Pastoral: 15 October 2024 – 31 March 2025

North West Pastoral: 15 October 2024 – 31 March 2025

Riverland: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025

Upper South East: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025 (early start)

West Coast: 15 October 2024 – 15 April 2025

Yorke Peninsula: 1 November 2024 – 30 April 2025

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