Bushfire season officially over
One of the busiest fire danger seasons in recent South Australian history has been declared officially over.
The Country Fire Service announced today that the official fire danger period had ended but, while firefighters were called to less incidents than usual, they also experienced the biggest bushfire in 30 years.
“About 3,500 CFS fire fighters fought for seven days to contain the [Sampson Flat] blaze, which burned almost 13,000 hectares.,” CFS state coordinator Leigh Miller said
"CFS volunteers attended to more than 4000 incidents including: bushfires, road crashes and structure fires.
"I thank each and every one of our volunteers for the fantastic work and dedication during in yet another demanding Fire Danger Season."
This danger season may be over but Mr Miller said now was the perfect time for residents to begin preparations for next summer.
Morning news break – April 30
"The winter months provide a great opportunity to prepare the home and discuss your bushfire survival plan,” he said.
"Major incidents show us how vital it is to have a survival plan and to have the home well prepared in the event of a bushfire.”
The public has also been reminded to remain cautious when lighting fires and to check with local councils in case of any further restrictions.
A new codes of practice on fire management is now available on the CFS website.
"The three Codes of Practice give direction and guidelines on the safe use of fire outside the Fire Danger Season," says Mr Miller.
If fire conditions worsen outside the Fire Danger Season a fire ban can still be declared.
Normal fire regulations now apply to Adelaide, Mount Lofty, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Lower Eyre Peninsula, and the West Coast regions.
