Firefighting crews remain on alert for remainder of fire season

So far this season, the CFS has attended 2835 jobs across the state – with 544 rural fires in grass, scrub, bush or farming vegetation.

CFS communications officer Dan Hamilton said there was a risk of further significant fires across SA and it was important everyone was prepared.

“For many districts there are still a number of weeks before the fire danger season ends, so we must all take responsibility for being prepared, having a plan and staying informed,” he said.

“Many fires do start from human activity, such as use of machinery, parking a car on dry grass, and discarded cigarette butts.”

During catastrophic fire days, stations across the state have been on standby, including Clarendon station in Adelaide’s foothills.

Although Clarendon volunteer firefighters have only attended handful of minor grass fires, they have been kept busy supporting other stations and on strike teams.

Captain Sue Leslie said grass and fuel loads in the region had never been as high and as dry as it was this season.

“There is a lot of fuel about and the problem is, when you get a lot of rain, which we have had, you get a lot of fuel,” she said.

“But when we don’t get rain, trees begin to stress, dropping their leaves and limbs, which then contributes to the overall fuel load.”

What has aided the Clarendon CFS team’s efforts this season was a new 34P appliance, which arrived in late November. It was one of 22 new CFS appliances deployed across the state.

The new truck was a welcome addition to the brigade, as it provides crews with additional protection in case of burnovers, under cab sprayers and the ability to activate the water pump from inside the cab.

It also has a 3000 litre water carrying capacity.

Since the new truck arrived at Clarendon station, it has been out on 10 missions, ranging from animal rescues to car fires, vehicle accidents and bushfires.