First total fire bans of the season declared in Mid North, Riverland and Mount Lofty Ranges as homeowners warned against complacency
TOTAL fire bans have been declared in parts of the state not even in bushfire danger season yet as authorities brace for a day of extreme heat. SEE THE FIRE BAN MAP
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TOTAL fire bans have been declared in parts of the state not even in fire danger season as authorities brace for a spike of extreme heat on Thursday, heralding the start of a perilous summer.
A forecast maximum of 36C in the city and upwards of 40C in northern parts of the state, coupled with steady winds and high fuel loads, has prompted total fire bans in the Mt Lofty Ranges, Mid North and Riverland.
It comes as residents are being urged to service airconditioners after a spate of house fires this year caused by faults.
The Mt Lofty Ranges fire ban comes before an official fire danger season has been declared for the district.
The Country Fire Service has warned residents to be vigilant and avoid any reckless or irresponsible behaviour that may inadvertently spark a bushfire.
Volunteer firefighters and a fleet of waterbombing aircraft are on standby across the state.
The CFS is particularly concerned about a buffel grass infestation in the Flinders Ranges and in the north of the state which is causing a massive fuel load. The Riverland and Murraylands are also experiencing drier than normal conditions.
CFS state duty commander Yvette Dowling said it was crucial for everyone in the community to “plan to survive”.
“When CFS declares a total fire ban, this is the first warning to the community that if a fire does start, it will be difficult for our firefighters to control,” Ms Dowling said.
“Therefore it’s important we all take precautions and not cause any fires which could be otherwise avoided.
“If a fire starts, the professional volunteers of CFS and supporting agencies will respond — however there won’t be a fire truck at every house so people need to take responsibility for their own safety.”
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Naomi Benger said stormy weather, including possible dry lightning, warm air and shifting winds today, contributed to the potentially dangerous fire weather.
“The conditions have been quite dry and there is a lot of dry vegetation and fuel for a fire,” she said.
“North-westerly winds will fan the warmer air from Central Australia over us making it pretty hot in Adelaide.”
While rain would appear on the radar, Ms Benger said less than 2mm was expected to fall because it would dry up before it reached the ground.
“People will be able to see streaks falling from the clouds and rain on the radar but none of it will reach the surface,” she said.
“There will be the odd spot here and there but a lot of it will evaporate as it’s coming down.”
She said the warm air and 15-25km/h north-easterly winds, which would increase to 30-40km/h and turn north-westerly during the day, prompting the declaration of total fire bans in three SA districts. The winds are expected to ease in the evening.
The mercury is tipped to reach the 40s in SA’s north on Thursday and Friday, including 43C in Marree on Friday.
The weather bureau’s latest seasonal outlook, released last week, predicted large parts of the state would have warmer than average temperatures and below average rainfall from November to January, adding to concerns of heightened fire risk this summer.
Ten out of 15 SA districts are now in fire danger season with the other five likely to be declared in a matter of weeks.
There is no set date for when the Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and metropolitan Adelaide will enter their fire danger seasons.
Last fire season, 117 fires were caused by burning and burn-offs without a permit and the CFS is warning against similar reckless behaviour in this year’s dangerous bushfire season.
“Over the past two weeks we have seen several burn-offs either escape containment or reignite from not being properly extinguished,” Ms Dowling said. “With warmer weather forecast today and tomorrow, it is essential that people in areas still permitted to burn make sure the fires are completely out and the ground is cold once their burns have finished.”
Mechanical cutting tools like grinders and welders were responsible for 21 fires while slashers and lawnmowers ignited 15 fires.
“With a drier than average winter and warmer spring, the CFS is urging anyone planning to work outside with spark-producing equipment to be aware of the conditions and restrictions that apply to their location,” Ms Dowling said.
The fire danger season begins on Thursday in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Murraylands, Riverland, West Coast and Yorke Peninsula. The season has already started in the North East Pastoral, North West Pastoral and Flinders. The season starts next in the Upper South-East on November 15 and in the Lower South-East a week later on November 22.
Conditions are expected to ease and temperatures will dip to 27C in Adelaide on Friday and 21C on Saturday. The maximum in Adelaide is expected to increase to 26C on Sunday.