SOUTH East district residents have been urged to finalise bushfire measures as the mercury soared to 36 degrees yesterday.
While parts of the region are yet to become a tinderbox, authorities are warning the fire danger could escalate within weeks as high fuel loads continue to dry.
Despite yesterday’s total fire ban and predicted hazardous conditions, Country Fire Service crews responded to a number incidents, including a fire near Millicent on private property.
It is understood police attended the Lossi Road property to interview the landholder who indicated the fire was a re-ignition of a burn-off undertaken weeks ago.
Landholders have until next Wednesday before the danger season is declared.
Wattle Range Council has already issued 650 notices across its district ordering landholders to reduce heavy fuel loads.
Mount Gambier CFS operations captain Bob Davis warned the fire danger would ramp up later in the month if these hot conditions continued.
“People should not be complacent about the fire risk this season,” Mr Davis said.
While there was still some moisture in the ground, he said there would be plenty of fuel load heading into the official fire danger period.
He revealed farmers were looking at good yields for hay making, which was used as an indication of fuel loads.
“There is little chance of major fire danger at the moment, any fire would be slow moving and there would be plenty of smoke,” Mr Davis said.
But he warned landholders to clean up their properties and finalise their bushfire plans ahead of looming dangerous conditions.
Grant district community ranger Dale Millar also cautioned landholders to complete their clean-up around their properties ahead of next week to avoid potential hefty expiation notices.
“There are a lot of landholders who are yet to clean up their properties – some grass is quite high,” Mr Millar told The Border Watch.
Farming properties as well as holiday home allotments are among those on the council’s watch list.
Given the seven-day deadline approaching, the council ranger revealed council officers would issue notices to the landholders if properties with heavy fuel loads were not reduced.
If these properties were not compliant within 28 days, Mr Millar said landowners would be hit with a $315 expiation fee.
“This will cost landholders hundreds of dollars if we have to go in and clean up the property,” Mr Millar said.
He said these clean-up works would be billed to the landholder.
Wattle Range Council has also issued a strong reminder to residents to ensure fire prevention measures were completed.
Council staff have also begun inspecting the height of grass and undergrowth, with all towns and settlements being assessed.
More than 650 landowners have been issued with notices requiring fuel hazard reduction works be undertaken on their properties.
If these landowners do not comply, council will take necessary action to ensure works are completed.
“Make sure you know your responsibilities and take positive action to prepare for fires by taking simple steps around your home,” council chief executive officer Ben Gower said.
“Fuel reduction is one of the most important preparations you can undertake.”
Residents are advised to have a bushfire action plan prepared for their property and should practice their plan as a family.
Template bushfire action plans are available on the SA CFS website.
Additionally, the CFS has identified areas within the community that offer different levels of relative safety from bushfires.
These areas are categorised as “bushfire safer places” or “last resort refuges”.
It is important communities understand these categories, know where they are located and what exposure risks are associated with using them during a bushfire.
Contact the CFS on 1300 362 361 or council’s fire prevention staff on 8733 0900 or visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au for more information.
