Here is a summary of the latest police news on the Fleurieu.

Suspicious fires at Aldinga Beach

Police are investigating several suspicious fires in the Aldinga Beach area over the past few nights.

On Friday 27 December, police and fire crews were called to an area near Button Road, after reports that a large fire had started in scrubland about 11.16pm.

The fire was extinguished, and there were no reports of any injuries.

On Saturday 28 December about 6.10pm, emergency services responded to a fire on Aldinga Beach Road, which may have been started by fireworks or a flare. There was also a fire near the Esplanade.

Fire crews extinguished both blazes.

Later on the same night, police and fire crews were called to another fire on the Esplanade, where a used firework was located.

Investigations continue into all of the above incidents, and anyone with information that can assist police, or who may have seen vehicles driving near the above areas at the time of the fires is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at Crimestoppers. 

There is a total fire ban today, Monday 30 December, with a catastrophic fire warning for the Mount Lofty Ranges and a watch and act notice for an uncontrolled scrub fire burning south-east of Gosse on Kangaroo Island.

SES urges never to leave children or pets in parked cars

With South Australia in the grip of a second December heatwave, the State Emergency Service (SES) has urged all South Australians to remain vigilant and never leave children or pets in parked cars.

Temperatures inside a parked car can double within minutes, posing a significant risk of heat-related injury or even death to children and pets left inside.

SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie says it is disappointing to see that, around the country, emergency services continue to respond to dozens of these types of incidents.

“Motor vehicles should not be used as a de facto babysitter,” Mr Beattie says.

“If you have to leave the car, even for a few minutes to run a quick errand or drop into a shop, make sure you take your children and pets with you.

“Hot cars kill, so there are no excuses and no exceptions. Because of their low body mass, children and pets are especially at risk. They lose fluids quicker and can become dehydrated very quickly,” Mr Beattie says.

Mr Beattie says people heading to the beach during the summer school holidays should also remember to take shade, plenty of water and sunscreen.

“Always keep a close eye on children around any water and, where possible, swim at a controlled beach between the flags,” Mr Beattie says.

Heat-stressed trees also pose a risk during heatwaves.

“SES volunteers will be busy in the next few days responding to numerous callouts where trees have fallen or shed limbs, so it is important to exercise caution around all large trees,” Mr Beattie says.

For more ways to beat the heat, visit the SES website. 

Information on the forecast weather can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website.