Early total fire bans declared for one region as dates for South Australia’s 2021/22 bushfire season announced

There are total fire bans in an SA district today – a week before the region’s official bushfire season starts – as hot and windy conditions are forecast across the state.

Hot and windy conditions have prompted total fire bans for the West Coast on Tuesday, with the dangerous bushfire conditions set to continue for multiple districts tomorrow.

The fire ban comes a week before the region’s bushfire season officially starts, with temperatures forecast in the mid 30s and early 40s in some parts of SA on Tuesday and Wednesday, and wind gusts of 55km/h. Adelaide is expecting a sunny 30C on Tuesday, and 30C again on Wednesday but with the chance of a shower.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Vince Rowlands said the fire weather is expected to move to the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral Districts, Flinders, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North on Wednesday, and fire bans are likely in those regions.

He said the weather system developing in the West Coast on Tuesday will see strong northerly winds.

“So some pretty hot, dry and windy conditions out in that district today,” Mr Rowlands said.

The warning comes after it was revealed dozens of landowners have failed to clean up their blocks ahead of South Australia’s bushfire season, putting themselves and their properties at risk.

With six districts entering this year’s season in just over a week, regional councils have issued a stern warning to property owners to ready themselves for bushfire threats.

This incudes the Adelaide Hills Council which has commenced inspections of around 10,000 properties in the district.

“As of Friday, Council’s Fire Prevention Officers have inspected a total of 1920 properties, of which 61 will be issued with a 105F (clean-up) notice,” a council spokeswoman said.

“Council aims to inspect at least 10,000 properties prior to commencement of fire danger season.”

The Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 (Section 105F) empowers councils to direct property owners to take immediate action to reduce the risk of fire.

Failure to comply could result in an expiation notice and a $315 fine.

Landowners generally have until the start of the bushfire season to clean up properties.

For landholders in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, North East and North West Pastoral Districts, West Coast and Yorke Peninsula, the start of the official 2021/22 fire danger season will be November 1.

Council inspectors have set out the check how fire-ready thousands of Hills properties are.

The Mt Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Metropolitan and Kangaroo Island Districts are beginning a month later on December 1.

Country Fire Service deputy chief officer Rob Sandford said above average rainfalls means more fuel for the state.

“There is fuel right across the state, and areas that have had average to above average rainfall, we’re seeing higher levels of fuel in those area and that's starting to cure off now,” Mr Sandford said.

‘With rain comes growth and that dries off during the dry season so grass is going to be a problem this year.”

He said this year’s dates reflect a more standard season, in comparison to the past few years of drier weather, which saw the season begin early.

“People need to prepare their families and homes now, ensuring their Bushfire Survival Plan is practised and ready,” he said.

Fire ban restrictions are legally enforceable from the beginning of the fire season with fines or criminal charges possible in more serious incidents.

He said everywhere in South Australia was vulnerable to fires this year.

“Unfortunately South Australia will experience fires, while last season was a milder season compared to the devastation to the 2019/20 fire season, unfortunately we still had devastating fires that impacted communities last year, and that will happen again this year,” Mr Sandford said.

Acting Emergency Services Minister, John Gardner, said the community should download the Alert SA app.

“On high-risk days, the right conditions at the wrong time can cause a significant bushfire, don’t get caught,” Mr Gardner said.

The start of the season comes days after total fire bans were declared on the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral District and West Coast as hot temperatures mixed with strong winds brought bushfire danger.

CFS firefighters battle bushfires at Mount Bold forest. Picture: File

Authorities are urging the community to be vigilant this season, after it was revealed more than 40 per cent of South Australians living in bushfire prone areas don’t know where their nearest bushfire safer place is.

Key strategic areas across the state on public and private land were targeted in the state government’s spring prescribed burns season.

A total of 90 burns covering roughly 9000ha of land were planned across the state in spring 2021, and autumn 2022.

Bushfire prevention works have also officially began in the Mount Barker District Council.

This includes the inspection of around 15,000 properties.

The council’s rural roadside slashing program has also commenced with Callington and Kanmantoo identified as priority areas.

Burnt landscape in Kangaroo Island in January 2020. Picture: Matt Loxton

“The aim of this work is to reduce the bulk of the fuel load along roadsides,” a council spokesperson said.

“Residents are then encouraged to tidy up the areas along boundaries that can’t be accessed by the contract machinery.

“The speed at which the crews move through the district is dependent on fuel loads they encounter and the rate at which things are curing.

“In addition to this, council crews are maintaining other reserves and open spaces ready for the fire season. The program is expected to be completed mid-December.”