The SA Country Fire Service will trial a new program this summer aimed at providing better coverage for farm fighting unit (FFU) operators.

It says the program will provide FFU operators who register with the CFS at firegrounds better access to safety and insurance arrangements.

Once registered, operators will need to log-on and log-off at a fireground and while operating with CFS crews, will also be be included in catering, welfare and water supply.

The system will be trialled until the end of the 2021-2022 season, with ongoing feedback sought to ensure FFU operators are part of the CFS response to fires across the state.

The change has been prompted by the findings of the Keelty Review into the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season. The review investigated at how the state responded to the fires and what lessons could be applied to future bushfire seasons.

The Keelty Review noted that the South Australian bushfire season had the worst conditions on record. Over 211 000 hectares of land was burnt in the Kangaroo Island fires. Two Kangaroo Island volunteer farm firefighters Dick and Clayton Young lost their lives and another man died in the Cudlee Creek fires.

It’s also estimated that 40 to 50 thousand koalas died in the fires across the state and nearly 70 000 livestock were also lost.

The review made 15 recommendations including incorporating FFUs into the Australasian Inter Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) ‘so that Incident Management Teams are aware of their presence on the fireground and their welfare and risks are understood’.

CFS Executive Director Frontline Services Support Georgie Cornish said, building on the recommendations of the Keelty Review, the trial program would support and coordinate FFU operators.

"We are encouraging owners of FFUs to register with the CFS, so that we can work together when they respond with our volunteers to bushfires," Ms Cornish said.

"By better coordinating our approach with FFU operators on the fireground, we will be able to provide improved support for everyone helping on the fireground."

Operators are invited to register their units and find more details about the program at: https://cfs.sa.gov.au/prepare-for-a-fire/farm-fire-units/

Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia also acknowledged the crucial role FFUs play during bushfires.

"The FFU community is undoubtedly dedicated to protecting lives and property," Minister Tarzia said.

"FFU efforts - especially at the Cudlee Creek, Yorketown and Kangaroo Island fires - highlights their importance as we all work together to create a more bushfire resilient South Australia."