Fire Danger Season took effect in nine SA districts from 1 November and both CFS and RAA are reminding homeowners to take simple steps to reduce their bushfire risk. 

Fire Danger Season dates for the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island districts have not yet been announced, but CFS says it is a good time to be bushfire ready. 

It has launched its annual Be Bushfire Ready Campaign, which reminds the community that awareness and preparation – including creating a bushfire survival plan – are key to keeping home and family safe.

Recent research shows people who are aware of the bushfire risk in their area are more likely to be prepared for a bushfire and recognise the risk to their property.

CFS Executive Director Statewide Operations Brenton Hastie encourages anyone living, working, or travelling through a bushfire risk area to know the Fire Ban District they’re in and to regularly check the Fire Danger Rating.

‘Preparing for the FDS is a shared responsibility and we’re asking the South Australian community to do their bit,’ Mr Hastie says.

‘Ensure you’ve created or reviewed your bushfire survival plan, prepared your property, and know what you and your family will do during a bushfire.’

‘It is critical that all South Australians are taking the threat of bushfire seriously and preparing accordingly by knowing what they will do, where they will go, and what they will take when a bad fire day approaches.’

‘South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Chief Officer Jeff Swann has urged South Australians in regional centres and metropolitan outskirts not to underestimate the threat of bushfires.

‘Each Fire Danger Season, MFS crews battle grassfires and bushfires on Adelaide’s outskirts and in country towns, and every year, lives and homes are at risk. Make sure you’re prepared and know what to do if a bushfire starts,’ he says.

‘A common misconception is that bushfires only affect rural areas. In reality, fires can, and do, have devastating impacts on metropolitan communities and regional townships. No one is immune, everyone needs a plan.”

For more information on preparing a property to be bushfire ready, visit the CFS website.  

RAA insurance claim data shows the average value of a bushfire insurance claim is more than $45,000 – highlighting the potential for significant damage should a bushfire enter a property. 

It is reminding all SA homeowners to get on top of maintenance jobs that reduce bushfire risk as the weather warms up.

These include cleaning gutters, trimming long grasses and removing any unnecessary flammable items like wood, mulch piles and leaves from near the home. 

RAA insurance Head of Claims Jess Lyons has urged SA homeowners to heed CFS advice about property preparation. 

“Bushfires can do significant damage to your property, but simple maintenance jobs can help to safeguard your home and reduce your risk,” she says. 

“If you’re not sure what your property requires, the CFS website has a wealth of knowledge and advice, so we’d encourage all homeowners to jump on there and review what might be relevant to them.  

“This is even more important if you live near bush or scrubland or in other areas of high to extreme bushfire danger.”