TODAY marks one year since the devastating Pinery bushfire.
The bushfire was one of the largest and fastest moving fires in SA’s history.
It is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the fire, and reflect on the loss of livestock, homes and infrastructure as the fire travelled across 82,000 hectares.
Minister for Emergency Services Peter Malinauskas said today would be a day of sadness and reflection.
“The weather conditions experienced on the day of the Pinery fire saw the blaze take hold with extraordinary rapidity, disabling the ability of the CFS to contain the fire,” he said.
“Today our condolences are with the families of those who sadly lost their lives in the fire. And with all those who lost livestock, homes, sheds and other infrastructure and who have felt the impact of this devastating event.”
Mr Malinauskas urged SA residents to prepare for bushfires, as they were a reality in the state.
“It’s up to all of us to have a plan in place, ready to respond when they do occur,” he said.
SA Police Taskforce Pinery has determined the cause of the blaze was likely a car battery that was left alongside a wire fence in a paddock. A police report is still being prepared for the state coroner, who may also conduct a separate inquiry.
An independent report into CFS’s operational response determined conditions experienced on the day of the fire prohibited any possibility of containment until the weather improved.
The fire presented learnings for the CFS across a range of areas including public information, aviation and interagency operations. An action plan was developed to address lessons learnt, with many of the actions already having been implemented by the CFS.
The impact of the fire is still being felt by the community and recovery activities are continuing to provide longer-term support to individuals, businesses and communities affected by the Pinery fire.
Over 1,000 SA CFS volunteers and staff and over 200 MFS firefighters responded to the fire supported by other SA emergency services agencies and 311 Victorian firefighters.
The recovery hotline and the official recovery website continue to operate.
- Details: www.sa.gov.au/recovery, 1800 302 787.