As devastating fires grip New South Wales, local residents and visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island are reminded that Fire Danger Season for these regions has been brought forward this year and that it’s time to get prepared.

The warning could not have come too soon, with a grass fire yesterday, 11 November, on Bull Creek Road, Ashbourne, between Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.

Fire Danger Season for the Mount Lofty Ranges - which encompasses the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island - has been brought forward to 15 November, two weeks earlier than usual.

In Fire Danger Season, certain activities such as lighting fires and using cutting tools such as grinders are restricted and there are regulations around using kettle (Weber) barbecues and smoking.

According to the CFS, drier than normal winter conditions have left much of the greater Adelaide area in rain deficit.

"Although we may have received recent light falls, 30 centimetres under the topsoil is still bone dry," Region 1 Regional Commander Peter Phillips says.

"All we need is for a day or two of hot and windy conditions… and the entire region will rapidly cure and become highly flammable."

Commander Phillips says with the window closing quickly for residents to finish vegetation burns, many may have to consider other options to dispose of garden off-cuts.

Residents are also reminded to ensure that vegetation burns are completely extinguished with multiple callouts recently due to previous pile burns rekindling in the hot and windy conditions.

"For those in areas which do not allow burn offs, or won't have the time to do so safely before the Fire Danger Season begins, mulching or dropping off cuttings to council green waste depots is a better option."

Commander Phillips says with the Fire Danger Season brought forward, now was the time for people to ensure they have a plan if a bushfire begins.

"For all residents of the areas where we have announced the Fire Danger Season dates today, a Bushfire Survival Plan is essential, and will only take you 5 minutes to develop when you visit cfs.sa.gov.au.

"Everyone needs to be prepared, have a plan and stay informed as we enter the Fire Danger Season early again this year."

Residents are encouraged to discuss their Bushfire Survival Plan with family, friends and neighbours. It is also important to have gutters cleared and vegetation well maintained and to check weather warnings and listen to ABC radio for CFS updates in the event of a bushfire.

For a list of activities that are and are not permitted over Fire Danger Season, click here.