Testing stations close in SA due to hot weather as severe fire danger prompts total bans

Severe heat has forced the closure of multiple testing sites across SA on Friday and Saturday, while there are total fire bans in several districts, prompting strict rules on sparklers.

A total fire ban has been declared across a number of districts with authorities issuing a stern warning against the use of illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

The hot weather across the state has forced 16 testing stations to close for part of the day on Friday and Saturday.

Testing sites have updated operating hours for Friday 31 December and Saturday 1 January due to the hot weather forecast.

ℹ To check the opening hours, visit https://t.co/daEpRqXyQVpic.twitter.com/bUMfVjFZue

— SA Health (@SAHealth) December 30, 2021

Metropolitan sites at Elizabeth South, Hampstead, the Repat, Port Adelaide, Aldinga, and the RAH will open from 6.30am until 10.30am, and then reopen from 5.30pm until either 8.30pm or 10.30pm.

The Covid-19 testing station at Bedford Park. Picture: Emma Brasier

Victoria Park, Ridgehaven, and Bedford Park will only open from 5.30pm until 10.30am.

There are similar closures at regional sites, with the full details available on the SA Health Facebook page.

A new walk-in testing station will open at Hindmarsh on Saturday.

With a bushfire danger rating of severe, total fire bans have been issued for Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands, Upper and Lower South East.

Adelaide is forecast to reach 39C on Friday, and 37C Saturday.

TOTAL FIRE BANS have been declared for 31/12/21 in the following Fire Ban Districts Mid North - Severe, Mount Lofty Ranges - Severe, Yorke Peninsula - Severe, Murraylands - Severe, Upper South East - Severe, Lower South East - Severe. Refer https://t.co/32bT7QkSdapic.twitter.com/2lTYObCFkF

— CFS Talk (@CFSTalk) December 30, 2021

Very hot for the last day of 2021 and first day of 2022. #Adelaide max today 37.6°C, reached 40.4°C in Tarcoola. But a milder change on the way, reaching southern and western coasts of SA later on NewYearsDay, then milder conditions extending further north early to mid next week. pic.twitter.com/B15hRWJA5k

— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) December 30, 2021

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, MFS chief officer Michael Morgan said he didn’t want a repeat of last year — which saw a number of fires ignite due to illegal fireworks.

“Our firefighters don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve, putting these fires out,” Mr Morgan said.

“There’s no excuse for the use of illegal fireworks.”

Children should be adequately supervised if they are going to light sparklers. Mr Morgan said.

Sparklers, coal fire barbecues, and hot tools such as welders and angle grinders are not allowed to be used in total fire ban areas.

CFS chief officer Mark Jones wanted to remind the public to plan ahead for this year’s bushfire season.

“Be aware of what the fire danger risk in your area,” Mr Jones said.

“The grass, which was green a few months ago has cured off nicely and is ready to burn.”