DISTRICT residents have been urged to clean up their properties and have bushfire survival plans in place as the official fire danger season begins today.
Temperatures soared into the 30s over the past fortnight, prompting the first fire ban day of the year last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the fire danger season has started in the Lower South East, with the Country Fire Service warning residents that all burn-offs must now be fully extinguished.
Region Five Regional Commander John Probert said there were patches of very dry areas throughout the South East, with the CFS already attending several fires from burn-offs that had escaped control lines.
During the danger season, permits can be obtained from councils for burns or other restricted activities, however these are only issued after serious consideration of whether the activity is warranted.
The Lower South East district fire danger season runs from today until April 30.
Wattle Range CFS Group officer Fred Stent said this year grass had started off dryer compared to 2016, which has resulted in crews already responding to a number of call outs.
“Over the last two weeks we have had a couple of grass fires, mainly on the border of Lucindale and also a few on our first fire ban day around the Millicent area,” Mr Stent said.
“We are lucky enough it was calm and we were able to get in quickly and deal with them.”
Mr Stent said the community should be well prepared for the fire season and suggested ways people could improve their safety and protect their properties.
“Ensure you clean up around your properties, along with cleaning out gutters, and chop any shrubs which may be around your home,” Mr Stent
said.
He also recommended wood should not be piled up against homes, sheds should be kept clean and water resources and fire extinguishers should be available.
“The fire trucks have all been serviced to ensure they are all in working order,” Mr Stent said.
He said following this fire season, Penola will hopefully be due for a new fire truck and command vehicle.
Penola has 30 dedicated CFS volunteers, however Mr Stent said more were always welcome.
“As a person who joins the fire service, you cannot see into the future and work may require you to move, so some are here for a short burst,” Mr Stent said.
“We encourage any kind of participation, however long or short.”
Meanwhile, Wattle Range Council has urged residents across the region to finalise their bushfire measures.
Authorities are warning the fire danger could escalate within weeks as high fuel loads continue to dry.
Wattle Range Council has already issued 650 notices across its district ordering landholders to reduce heavy fuel loads.
Chief executive Ben Gower said his staff have also begun inspecting the height of grass and undergrowth, with all towns and settlements being assessed.
“If landowners do not comply with the hazard reduction measures, council will take necessary action to ensure works are completed,” Mr Gower said.
“Make sure you know your responsibilities and take positive action to prepare for fires by taking simple steps around your home.
“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 plans are available on the SA CFS website.
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.
