Riverland, Murraylands, Flinders at increased fire risk

The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2018 has been released with predictions for above average bushfire danger in the Riverland, Murraylands and Flinders, as well as in the north-west of the state.

CFS preparedness and operations acting director Brett Loughlin said the outlook was based on moisture deficiency figures as well as Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for the coming months.

He said risks of grassfires and harvest fires had been reduced but areas with forests were at higher risk.

“There are a lot of areas where there are failed crops or people didn’t sow them in the first place,” he said.

He said regional committees would be deciding if changes to fire danger season dates were needed in the coming weeks.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see earlier dates in regions, or extensions at the end of seasons,” he said.

“There is no forecast model indicating increased rainfall in spring or summer.

“This is a season for people to take seriously.”

Mr Loughlin said those regions not considered to have an above average fire danger should also be prepared.

“This is the driest state on the driest continent – even an average year can bring fire risks,” he said.

Mr Loughlin said the outlook would be reassessed in November.

With hay in high demand across the state, the CFS is reminding producers to be wary of hay fire dangers, especially producers making hay who may not do so under normal circumstances.

“People may be cutting early and moisture content can impact the risk of hot spots and spontaneous combustion,” he said.

“Hay fires can be incredibly resource intensive and take days to go out.”

Mr Loughlin said monitoring moisture content was the key. He said a good rule of thumb was for small bales to have between 18 per cent and 20pc moisture, large round bales 14-18pc and large rectangular bales less than 14pc.

“If someone hasn’t cut hay for a few years, there are resources online to check,” he said.