WITH another long and hot summer approaching, the CFS is warning landowners to clean up their properties before a bushfire does it for them.
Summer arrived early in SA this year, with more than 40C degree heat in October, and plenty more of the same expected.
October 25 recorded the hottest day for the month on national records, with an average maximum temperature of 36.39C for the whole of Australia.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a third straight summer of higher-than-average heat, and a 60 per cent chance maximum temperatures will exceed the November-to-January average.
Additionally, the latest climate and water outlook shows more than half of the country has a less than 40pc chance of achieving above-average rainfall between November and January. This includes eastern SA although coastal areas of the state can expect near-average rain.
CFS Director of Preparedness Operations Leigh Miller says cleaning up vegetation, long grass and flammable material close to the home should be a high priority for all property owners.
He has warned landowners of the potential consequences of poor property maintenance in bushfire-prone areas, and potential threat to neighbouring properties.
"It's widely accepted that a well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire than one that hasn't been prepared," Mr Miller said.
"The most effective way to protect your home is to clear vegetation and rubbish, carefully manage trees and vegetation by keeping them at least 20 metres away and to fill gaps in the house walls and roof where embers might enter."
* Full report in Stock Journal, November 20, 2014 issue.
