Alert SA safety app fails during first major bushfire event of the season

AN alert designed to provide people with safety information failed on Sunday during the first major bushfire event of the season.

A SMARTPHONE app providing public safety information went into meltdown and left residents vulnerable during the state’s first serious event of the bushfire season on Sunday.

Residents reliant on the Alert SA app did not receive bushfire alert warnings, forcing Emergency Services Minister Chris Picton to apologise for the “unacceptable” error.

Mr Picton said a “data” error had affected the app for about five hours, while CFS crews tackled strong winds to respond to 43 fires threatening properties across the state.

“We had a very serious bushfire day and there were a number of people who use the Alert SA app ... who unfortunately weren’t able to access information,” Mr Picton said.

“It’s obviously very unfortunate and clearly unacceptable.

“If there were people affected I apologise to them — we want to make sure we fix this so this issue does not happen again.”

CFS staff fight a fire in a pine tree plantation at Mt Crawford on Sunday. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Alert SA has a website and mobile app for access to real-time safety information provided by 14 different agencies, including emergency services and government departments.

The app, which costs the State Government $250,000 per year, has been downloaded 170,000 times since its launch in 2015.

Mr Picton said the error was caused by data input by the agencies and he had requested a report from the app creators within 48 hours on how it would be resolved.

But bushfire survivors and residents have raised concerns whether the app would be a reliable at the height of the bushfire season.

Grace Plains resident Trisha Springbett survived the Pinery bushfire, in 2015, and believed safety warnings via the app could be lifesaving.

“The day of the Pinery fire all the communication was down, if they have access to this than, most definitely, it could be the difference between life and death,” Ms Springbett said.

Kersbrook resident Dave Miller was one of the first people to lose his home during the Sampson Flat bushfire in 2015 and thought the weekend’s error was unacceptable.

“It’s a very important service so it would be a good idea if it was fixed as it could definitely become a life or death scenario,” Mr Miller said.

Deborah Daw commented on the Alert SA Facebook page that the app was a “disgrace” and she had been unable to connect, or get updates for numerous hours.

Sandy Kimber commented she has had issues with the app for the past week, while Kerri Ireland wrote: “(I) hope it’s fixed soon, fire 2km from me and no alert, was not impressed”.

The government reminded residents to also use the CFS website, Facebook page and Twitter for up-to-date bushfire information.