Predicted higher temperatures and dry conditions for the rest of January comes with an increased risk of fire for South Australian communities. 

A very dry spring throughout the state has primed the landscape for bushfires and recent fires across the border in Victoria could be a sign of things to come in SA.

Even the south coast is unlikely to be spared as temperatures have been forecast to rise to heatwave conditions by the end of this month.

With lower than average fire activity in South Australia over the past few years, the state government is warning landowners and residents not to be complacent and to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says 2024 was a particularly dry and hot year and complacency is an enormous risk.

"The message to South Australians is clear. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you must prepare now."

Around a third of South Australians living in bushfire risk areas incorrectly think they don’t live in a bushfire risk area or don’t know either way, while only half of travellers or transiting workers regularly find out the Fire Danger Rating for the areas they are in.

CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says staying safe from bushfire is a shared responsibility between the CFS and the South Australian community.

“Now is the time for you and your family to review or create a Bushfire Survival Plan, which includes the care and transport of pets and livestock before, during and after a fire.”

Greater awareness of Fire Danger Ratings and using the CFS website and Alert SA app to stay informed form a key part of the current CFS bushfire safety campaign.