SUMMER will officially make its mark in the Limestone Coast this week with the region to sizzle over the next four days, maxing out on Friday with a forecast 42 degree scorcher in the Mount Gambier district.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the Blue Lake city will hit a top of 35 degrees today, followed by 39 tomorrow, dropping to 31 Thursday before rocketing back up to 42 on Friday.
Relief will come in the form of a cool change over the weekend with Saturday and Sunday temperatures forecast to hover just above 20 degrees.
CFS regional commander John Probert said services were well-prepared for any emergencies in the coming days, with tomorrow’s preliminary fire danger rating listed as extreme.
“We are ensuring we have an aircraft available, have spoken with crew to establish their availability and we will have an escalated response on the day if a fire should occur,” Mr Probert said.
“We have rostered staff in the regional command centre this week with staff from Adelaide travelling to assist.
“All of our equipment has recently gone through its annual servicing and we know everything is working including our online systems.”
Urging the community to revisit their bushfire safety plans, Mr Probert said the hot spell was something the whole community had to be prepared for.
“Because it going to be hot for a longer period, there is risk for major health issues especially for the aged population which is continually increasing and vulnerable people,” he said.
“It is not only a threat of a bushfire but risk from the stress heat creates after hot days … the Australian sun is a killer.
“If people do not feel comfortable in defending their properties then they should not be there and they should find somewhere else to go.”
Mr Probert said people unable to access efficient air conditioning should seek out a place such as a library or cinema to spend the day inside.
“We also recommend to drink lots of water, which we are on to our firefighters about all the time,” he said.
“Sun safety protection is also important, so if you are going swimming wear a rashy or slip, slop and slap.”
With the devastating New South Wales bushfires still burning, Mr Probert said all services across Australia may be under pressure.
“We are seeing conditions now which we have never seen before … many states and even people from New Zealand, Canada and the United States have come to assist,” he said.
“No one is getting a break, so we are starting the fire season and we are working hard right from the get go.
“We have had a number of volunteers who have come from the South East who have gone (to NSW) and have even had people put their hand up to assist over Christmas.
“You have to applaud our volunteers for what they do.”
This week’s weather is just the start of extreme conditions expected to continue into the new year.
“It is the beginning of a marathon, not a sprint,” he said.
“This week we are talking about potential temperatures above 40 degrees with Friday a significant worst-case-scenario concern, opting for very hot, windy conditions and possible lightning.
“Friday there is expected strong northerly winds up to 35kph with a change expected in the afternoon.”
Due to the forecast extreme heat, a statewide Code Red and a life-saving phone service has been activated to keep the community safe.
The Housing Authority has activated a Code Red from yesterday until Friday.
People in regional areas can call the Homelessness Gateway 1800 003 308 if they need assistance in the heat.
