The Fire Danger season has begun in all fire ban districts, with the final two regions starting this month.
As Adelaide and Mount Lofty regions, as well as Kangaroo Island, came online, fire restrictions apply throughout the entire state.
The Country Fire Service, Metropolitan Fire Service and Emergency Services Minister Chris Picton are issuing a reminder to all to be vigilant, but especially those on peri-urban areas.
SA CFS chief officer Greg Nettleton said all home owners needed to avoid complacency.
“Just because you live in an urban setting doesn’t mean bushfires won’t impact you,” he said.
“One thing is for sure, bushfires will happen this summer – we just don’t know where.”
Experts say embers from a bushfire can travel kilometres, so those on the outskirts of towns and in regional centres could still be at risk.
They are being urged to plug gaps around the home with steel mesh to stop embers, repair broken or missing roof tiles, clear dried leaves from gutters and install ember guards and to generally tidy up and maintain their homes.
Mr Picton said fire services had already been active, attending fires across the state.
“The urban surroundings often make us feel protected from bushfire, but for many areas on the outskirts of Adelaide, that is not the case,” he said.
“Bushfires can and will travel into the suburbs – we need to be ready.
“I urge everyone to take note of the best way to ember-proof your home and take action to lower your risk.”
MFS chief officer Greg Crossman said everyone needed to play their part in preparation.
“Residents in urban areas often expect a fire truck to be at their door, but during a bushfire it’s simply not possible to protect every home individually,” he said.
“Therefore it’s so important for residents to do simple things around their homes to help protect them from bushfire.
“Embers from bushfires can get caught in gutters or overhanging trees and start a house fire, that’s why it is so important to do the simple things around your home before a bushfire starts.”
- Details: Go online and complete a five minute Bushfire Plan at cfs.sa.gov.au