A MECHANICAL fault is understood to have caused a tractor to catch alight at Tantanoola yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services personnel were called to the sealed Tantanoola Access Road at 1.40pm and volunteer fire-fighters from the Glencoe, Tantanoola and Millicent Country Fire Service brigades were promptly on the scene to battle the blaze.
Sergeant Rick Errington of Millicent police said no one was injured and there were no suspicious circumstances.
Sgt Errington said the tractor was destroyed, but there was no other property damage.
The latest blaze comes with Fire Danger Season fast approaching in the Lower South East with a start date declared for November 22.
People wanting to conduct a burn once the fire season has begun will be required to contact their local council for a permit and to check Environmental Protection Authority restrictions.
South Australian police are also launching an operation today dedicated to reducing the threat of arson and bushfires in South Australia.
Operation NOMAD will run from today until the end of the Fire Danger Season in May 2018.
Operation Nomad police commander and Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford said the operational focus was on preventing arson specifically during the fire danger season.
“As the harm caused to life and property by bushfires is potentially catastrophic, Operation NOMAD concentrates on preventing the deliberate and reckless actions that start these fires,” Ass Comm Bamford said.
“Police identify and actively monitor people of interest through timely and predictive intelligence assessments.”
Ass Comm Bamford said police would maintain a highly visible presence in high risk bushfire areas.
“Police will work with other agencies in coordinated investigations to identify any fire starting trends,” Ass Comm Bamford said.
“We identify the causes and patterns of all non-suspicious fires to ensure they are fully investigated.”
Assistant Commissioner Bamford said police also help provide information to ensure a better informed community, including reinforcing important messages about risky behaviour on high fire danger days.
“It is important everyone pays attention to what else is happening around them – for example, what are other vehicles and people doing?” he said.
“Is there anything slightly unusual – something that makes you take a second look?”
The police will work in conjunction with the CFS and the public to ensure South Australia remains safe this bushfire season.
“Police, CFS and MFS personnel are trained to respond to dangerous situations, but when it comes to prevention, we all have a responsibility to get involved,” Ass Comm Bamford said.
“Everyone can watch, report and change the way they behave to help keep everyone else safe.”
CFS state duty Commander Yvette Dowling said CFS volunteers are always ready to respond to bushfires and protect the community.
“Despite this, we do not like to see them putting their lives at risk when a fire can be prevented,” Ms Dowling said.
“The CFS is urging people to be prepared for bushfires, have their bushfire survival plan and prepare their property in case a bushfire occurs near them.”
