The CFS fire warnings, what they mean and what to do

Yellow, orange or red? The South Australian CFS fire warnings, what they mean and what to do.

When a fire breaks out the CFS uses a colour-coded alert system – Yellow, Orange and Red – to inform the public about the level of the threat.

Here we look at those definitions and what you need to do if an alert is declared for your home.

And while fire crews may be responding, the CFS warns you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

YELLOW: BUSHFIRE ADVICE MESSAGE

A Bushfire Advice Message will be issued when:

– A bushfires pose a threat to property or public safety.

– A bushfire has been reported and the CFS are attending but no further information is available.

– A bushfire is producing smoke in an area that may cause concern to the public

– There is a need to advise of a specific event.

ORANGE: WATCH AND ACT

A Bushfire Watch and Act Message will be issued when:

– A bushfire poses a threat to property or public safety where:

– A bushfire is threatening or is a potential threat to public safety.

– A bushfire is producing smoke in an area that may cause concern to the public on a day of elevated fire danger

– There is a need to advise of a specific event.

RED: EMERGENCY WARNING

Bushfire Emergency Warning Messages will be issued when:

– An uncontrolled bushfire is burning under Severe to Catastrophic Fire Weather conditions.

– The risk of loss of life or threat to properties is almost certain or has occurred.

– Or where special circumstances exist, for example when a life or house has been lost.

The CFS fighting an out of control bushfire at Blackford, which is travelling towards the township of Lucindale, January 11, 2021. Picture: Jacqui Bateman

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET A WARNING:

Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.

Take action immediately.

If you are not prepared, leave now and if the path is clear, go to a safer place.

Do not enter the fire area as conditions are dangerous.

Protect yourself from the fire’s heat, put on protective clothing.

Tell family and friends of your plans.

IF YOU ARE LEAVING:

Leave now, don’t delay.

Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.

Secure your pets for travel.

If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

IF YOU ARE STAYING, PREPARE TO DEFEND:

Identify a spot to shelter in, with more than one exit, keep moving away from the heat of the fire.

Bring pets inside and restrain them.

Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.

Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.

If you have sprinklers, turn them on.

If your building catches fire go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

CFS website: cfs.sa.gov.au

Bushfire Information Hotline: [phone]

For hearing or speech impaired users, phone [phone] then ask for 1800 362 361

For teletype service TTY 133 677

Follow CFS on Facebook or Twitter

SOURCE: CFS SA