Newly released road closure guidelines are expected to help speed the return of residents following an emergency.
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The new strategy will allow residents to return to properties before roads are officially reopened after events such as a bushfire.
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Police and Emergency Services Minister Tony Piccolo said during the Sampson Flat fire, some residents were frustrated at the length of time they were kept away from their homes or properties.
“Road closures are put in place to protect the public from the dangers present on a fireground, this can be flames or embers as well as falling trees after an incident,” Mr Piccolo said.
“However, we understand the frustration of residents who want to return to their homes after a fire to check on their pets, livestock and property.”
The new guidelines will have a tiered approach for emergency services and the public to recognise the status of a road within and surrounding a fireground.
A red tiered road will only be accessible for emergency services vehicles, orange roads will be open for essential services such as arborists and SA Power Networks.
“Residents who can produce evidence that they live at an address or own property at an address within the area affected by road closure and is returning to actively protect or defend property will be allowed into the fireground area when a road is yellow,” Mr Piccolo said.
Information on road closures and status will be available on government websites, social media, released to the media and in community meetings.
“Protecting life is of paramount concern to emergency service authorities, so roads will only be made accessible when it is safe to do so,” he said.
The guidelines will be reviewed at the end of the 2015-16 fire danger season.
A copy is available on the Country Fire Service website.