MOUNT Gambier and district residents are urged to remain vigilant today with the mercury set to soar to a blistering 43 degrees, which is just two degrees shy of the city’s record.
The forecast has already sparked a fresh warning from emergency services and health authorities.
With temperature records set to possibly tumble in some parts of the state, Mount Gambier residents are expected to swelter through their hottest day in 12 months.
Mount Gambier recorded its hottest day in history on February 3, 2014, when the temperature skyrocketed to 44.9 degrees.
CFS acting regional commander Sam Quigley warned people should be on high alert today as the temperatures soared and fire conditions heightened.
He said today was a total fire ban and people should have their bushfire action plans ready to enact given the fire risk would be “extreme” in the region.
Describing the fire threat as “significant”, Mr Quigley called on people to refrain from undertaking outdoor activities.
In particular, he said fire authorities were concerned about fire ignition from machinery and other activities.
Mr Quigley said it was also likely two additional aircraft would be called into the Naracoorte region to boost the district’s aerial firefighting capabilities.
“People should enact their bushfire survival plan,” he said.
He also urged people to consider relocating for the day to a dedicated safe area such as Mount Gambier or other areas recommended by the CFS.
Picture: TODD LEWIS
OneFortyOne fire manager Justin Cook said the company was gearing up for today’s dangerous fire conditions.
“OneFortyOne is prepared for today’s weather conditions, which could be the worst day for this year’s fire season so far,” Mr Cook said.
“Our preparations include senior members of the OFO firefighting team joining forces with the CFS and other forest growers as part of a pre-formed incident management team.
“All of our firefighting fleet will be crewed and ready to go along with a fire management helicopter on standby.”
Grant District Council community ranger Dale Millar also called on landholders to ensure their properties were complying with fire prevention standards.
He said more than 50 notices had been sent to landholders who had not undertaken satisfactory fire prevention activities.
“A substantial number of these properties were at Tarpeena,” Mr Millar said.
He revealed council had sent in contractors to 16 proprieties that did not respond to the notice and called for “common sense” to prevail.
“Cleaning up properties will reduce the risk of a fire spreading,” Mr Millar said.
Mr Millar – who has spent the past three days checking on properties – warned conditions were “very, very dry” in many parts of the district.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Hannah Marsh said today would be the first time since January 2018 the temperature would hit more than 40 degrees.
“It is close to 12 months since we have had a temperature in the 40s and a little while since we have had one at 43,” Ms Marsh said.
She said local residents could expect a change in temperature in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
“We have got a high over the Tasman Sea that is very slow moving and we do have a low pressure system that is in southern WA and will gradually move eastwards,” she said.
“We are expecting a change to come around on midnight on Thursday”.
SA Health’s chief public health officer Professor Paddy Phillips said everyone was at risk of heat-related illness during hot weather and extreme heat.
“You can reduce your chances of becoming affected by the heat and unwell during very hot weather including drinking plenty of water, using fans or air-conditioning, avoiding going outside in the hottest part of the day and keeping the home cool by closing curtains and blinds during the day,” Prof Phillips said.
SES chief officer Chris Beattie said heat-related illness could affect anyone, even the very fit and could result in severe health issues including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
“Reports from interstate indicate children are being left in cars. Under no circumstances, should children or pets be left in a parked car, even with the windows open and the air conditioner running,” Mr Beattie said.
