HOT coals were left to burn in several campfires across the South East on Saturday morning, which emergency service leaders have claimed had the potential to cause a catastrophic fire.
On one of the worst days for fire conditions in the region since Ash Wednesday, it took police patrols just 30 minutes to locate the campfires left with burning coals at Dry Creek campground and the Little Blue Lake.
As temperatures soared to 40C on Saturday morning, Kingsley Group Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers were required at the two locations to extinguish and water down the sites to alleviate the risk of a serious bushfire occurring.
“We were called to attend the Dry Creek campsite and I had to put water on hot coals left burning at three separate campsites, which all had the potential to cause a serious fire,” CFS deputy group officer Roger Babolka said.
Mr Babolka said the careless attitude by some members of the public in this instance was concerning.
“The council has done as much as they can to try and educate people and stop incidents like this from occurring, at some point the onus has to be on the public,” Mr Babolka said.
“It comes down to the individual, they need to take responsibility for their actions and understand what their requirements are when it comes to lighting and putting out fires.
“I understand, I love camping and there is nothing better than sitting around a fire in the evening, but we just need people to be more vigilant.”
Kingsley CFS group officer Grant Fensom said the rules were very clear and simple.
“On a total fire ban day, you cannot light fires,” Mr Fensom said.
“Beyond that, it is a fire danger season, so you need to be aware of what your responsibilities are as these accidental mistakes can have major consequences for the community.”
Mr Fensom said campfires that are not extinguished appropriately can pose a threat for days or even weeks afterwards.
“I have seen on bad fire days like Saturday where smouldering embers from a fire lit weeks ago come to the ground and soon get out of control,” he said.
“All fires start small and are often started accidentally, but how they end up can be large and result in catastrophic ramifications.”
With the fire danger season far from over, Mr Fensom said people need to take more care with further hot days expected.
“Who would want to be responsible for the loss of someone’s stock, property or even life?” he said.
Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said the fires were extremely concerning to police on such a catastrophic fire day.
“There are strict rules around lighting fires during the fire danger season and on fire ban days all fires are banned,” Sgt King said.
“People can find information on the CFS website about what you can and cannot do.”
In light of the Sherwood fires near Keith on Saturday afternoon, Sgt King said members of the community must ensure they have reviewed their bushfire action plans.
“At this time of year we encourage people to review their bushfire action plans,” he said.
Visit cfs.sa.gov.au to view the full list of fire restrictions and download the fact sheet.
