WITH a wet winter producing large fuel loads across the Limestone Coast, Country Fire Service crews in the region are on high alert with the start of the 2017/18 fire danger season in the Lower South East.
The CFS has warned residents that all burn-offs had to be fully extinguished by midnight Wednesday and any further burn-off will now require a permit from council.
Patches of very dry areas throughout the South East have seen the CFS already attend several fires from burn-offs that had escaped control lines, including one yesterday in the Kingsley region.
Kingsley CFS group officer Grant Fensom said vigilance is the key to ensuring a tragedy does not occur this bushfire season.
“We had a small fire yesterday caused by an unattended burn-off,” Mr Fensom said.
“Complacency can happen very quickly, but we urge people to be careful and mindful because things are drying up and it only takes one bad, windy day to cause problems.”
While the CFS is on high alert and ready to respond, Mr Fensom said it comes down to how well each person is prepared with a bushfire survival plan.
“Our people have been doing their training and our appliances are well-prepared, but that does not mean we can guarantee that we will make it to every single fire if a few happen to break out at the same time,” Mr Fensom said.
“People need to get their own equipment ready at their properties, do not leave it to the last minute.”
Mount Gambier CFS group officer Graham Lamond said members of the community must clean up around their properties.
“With the late rain we have had, we are expecting growth right up until Christmas, so there will be a lot of fuel around,” Mr Lamond said.
“People need to clean up around their properties and be prepared, but also need to understand you cannot burn off anymore without a permit, so you will need to contact council.”
Mr Lamond said with the higher fuel loads, the CFS was expecting more intense fires if they do break-out.
“The fires will certainly be more intense, but they also tend to move slower when there are larger fuel loads,” Mr Lamond said.
“Ultimately people need to make sure they have their bushfire plan ready and if they plan to leave, leave early.”
With the season under way, Mr Fensom took the opportunity to encourage more people within the community to volunteer with the firefighting organisation.
“We are heading in the right direction with volunteers as a number of younger and older people are putting their hand up,” Mr Fensom said.
“In saying that we always need more and encourage people to reach out to their local brigade about how they can become involved.”
