Forecast hotter and drier conditions throughout spring have prompted authorities to bring forward the start of the 2024/25 Fire Danger Season in the South East.


The SA Country Fire Service has declared the season will start three weeks early for the Lower South East, and two weeks early for the Upper South East districts. Both districts will start on November 1 and run through to April 30.


Other districts will start around the same time as last season, with only Kangaroo Island dates to be confirmed.


The Fire Season dates follow consultation with relevant Bushfire Management Committees and a final declaration from CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM.


CFS Director of Community Risk and Resilience Alison May said Bushfire Management Committees have reported that, as predicted, dry conditions have seen all landscapes cure faster than an average spring.


“The continued growth in forests and scrub areas during this period has prompted the decision to commence the Fire Danger Season early in the Eastern Eyre, Upper South East and Lower South East districts,” Ms May said.


“However, while these areas are commencing their fire season earlier, we should not take our eyes off the ball in other districts because we all know the risks that come with the warmer months in our state.


“We are urging all South Australians to share the responsibility of preparing for the upcoming Fire Danger Season by preparing their properties and making or reviewing their bushfire survival plans.”


Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan said complacency posed a significant risk heading into a predicted hotter and drier summer.


“The message to South Australians is to prepare now, especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area,” Minister Cregan said.


“With very dry conditions and vegetation already starting to cure across the state, certain dates have been brought forward due to the heightened bushfire risk.”


A permit is required for most burning activities during the Fire Danger Season or on days where a Total Fire Ban is declared.


Permits may be issued under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 by an authorised officer of a local council.


For more information on restrictions during the Fire Danger Season, how to prepare your home and property for the bushfire season, and how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit the CFS website at cfs.sa.gov.au