Catastrophic Fire Danger Warnings have been issued for both the Mount Lofty Ranges (encompassing the Fleurieu Peninsula) and Kangaroo Island on Friday 20 December.

A total fire ban is in place for both areas and the CFS recommends that residents implement their Bushfire Action Plans.

A number of Fleurieu landmarks, events and services have been cancelled because of the extreme weather conditions. These include Deep Creek Conservation Park, Ingalalla Waterfalls and Myponga Reservoir Trail. 

The Fridays After Five event in Aldinga has been cancelled this week, but will return the following Friday (27 December).

The Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre in Yankalilla will be closed, and the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre will be shutting at the earlier time of 3pm. Its Sip and Spin event has also been cancelled. If you have any activities booked or planned on Friday please make sure you double check they are running.

RELATED LINK: Click here for the Fleurieu App’s suggestions of how to escape the heat this week on the Fleurieu

The State Emergency Service (SES) has also issued an Extreme Heatwave Emergency Warning or the Mount Lofty Ranges and a Severe Heatwave Watch and Act for Kangaroo Island for Friday 20 December. These warnings were also in place on Thursday 19 December.

The SES says Extreme Heatwaves are rare, but are dangerous for anyone who doesn’t take precautions to keep cool, even those who are fit and healthy. People who work or exercise outdoors are particularly at risk. The reliability of infrastructure, like power and transport, can also be affected.

Severe Heatwaves are similarly infrequent and are especially challenging for babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are already unwell, but even healthy people should take care.

The SES advises: 

• As hot weather continues, trees can drop their branches without warning. Don’t let children climb or play under them and avoid parking or camping under large branches.
• Staying indoors is the coolest option. If you want to exercise, scale back your routine or restrict your activities to early morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
• Carry a water bottle with you whenever you go out and remember to wear light, loose-fitting clothing,a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Children love to cool down in a sprinkler, but check the temperature of the water when you turn it on, as water from hoses left out in the sun can be dangerously hot.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, portable fans are a great alternative. Or consider making use of air-conditioned public buildings, such as shopping centres, cinemas and libraries.
• Packing the car to head out this weekend? Make sure you pack enough food and water for the trip, and take regular breaks on the way. If your vehicle breaks down, keep safe by staying with it and seeking appropriate assistance.
• Bacteria love the heat, so make sure you keep all your festive food cool by keeping it in an esky and using air conditioning when driving. Once you have access to a fridge, put your food it in straight away to avoid it spoiling.
• Do you know someone who lives alone or is doing it tough – be a good neighbour and call in to check on how they are coping.
• People who work outdoors or in hot and poorly ventilated areas need to take special care. Plan your day, make sure you take plenty of drinks and breaks and be sure you understand and comply with your workplace heatwave safety rules.
• Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can place the road and rail network infrastructure under stress which may result in speed reductions or changes on some services. Monitor provider websites or apps for more information.

For more information on fire danger visit: https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/ or tune into ABC Radio Adelaide 891.