CFS Region 5 Headquarters

18/12/2024

For those in the South East of South Australia you might see and smell smoke today. This smoke is coming from the fire in the Grampians (Vic). If you see smoke plumes or flames please contact 000.

For further information in South Australia please call the CFS Bushfire Hotline on 1800 362 361 or in Victoria please call 1800 226 226.
You can also visit cfs.sa.gov.au for the latest South Australian bush fire information or in Victoria visit emv.vic.gov.au.

People in South Australia or travelling through South Australia should also download the Alert SA app

02/11/2024

A reminder that the fire danger season has started in both the Upper and Lower South East on the 1st of November 2024.
This means no fires in the open with out a permit from your local council. For more information regarding what you can and can’t do please visit the CFS website and check out the warning and restrictions section

21/10/2024

AFDRS

? Did you know ?

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a bushfire would be if it broke out and are not a prediction of the likelihood of a fire starting.

Learn the system and stay alert to keep you and your family safe this season!

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions/australian-fire-danger-ratings/

13/10/2024

Harvester fires

Harvester fires can cause extensive damage to machinery and risk to surrounding properties. Minimise the risks this bushfire season with regular maintenance of machinery and consistent management of flammable material.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/business-farms/farm-fire-safety-prevention/

09/10/2024

Family Funday this Sunday! Event is free!! Food is available for purchase CASH ONLY!!

06/10/2024

Fire Danger Season

Fire Danger Season is just around the corner. Let's work together to keep our communities safe! Make sure you know what activities are affected by Fire Danger Season and Total Fire Ban days – like burnoffs, campfires, and BBQs.

Brush up on what you can and can't do during the Fire Danger Season.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions/what-can-i-do-what-cant-i-do/

30/09/2024

Bushfire Plan

Are you ready this bushfire season?

Mental and physical preparation is essential for those living in bushfire risk areas - make sure you take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your family safe.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-a-fire-be-prepared/preparing-yourself-mentally-physically/

23/09/2024

Plan for your pets

Don’t let your furry family members get forgotten in your bushfire survival plan!

Make sure to:
- Get your pets registered with the local council in case of separation
- Have secure collars, leads, and harnesses at the ready
- Get them used to travel

For more information visit our website.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-a-fire-be-prepared/pets-livestock/

16/09/2024

Warnings
If you see this sign, a bushfire is threatening the area near you.

Each colour represents the necessary actions you must take as soon as possible.

Disasters can move quickly, and waiting too long to act can be dangerous.

In any situation, your own safety always comes first. Don't wait for an official warning to take action.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/warnings/incidents-warnings/

13/09/2024

Welcome Home Damon Whitwell

Our CFS team were welcomed back by their families after 35 days of battling wildfires in Oregon and Washington.

Since July, we've sent 20 personnel abroad, and we’re ready to use these experiences to better protect South Australia.

Our skilled SA firefighters who returned from the US this week included:
• Malcolm Biscoe
• Anthony Casey
• Justin Baxter
• Paul Unsworth
• Garry Jungfer
• Timothy Buck
• Damon Whitwell
• Michael Amos

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all deployed personnel for their hard work, bravery, and dedication in incredibly tough conditions. Your efforts are deeply appreciated. A special thank you also goes to the families and loved ones of our deployed members. Your support plays a crucial role in making these deployments possible.

09/09/2024

Emergency kit

A good emergency kit is one that can be used for all emergencies (not just bushfires), but the best kit is the one that’s ready to go. Woollen blankets, a battery powered radio, and a first aid kit are just a few items everyone should include in their emergency kit. Visit cfs.sa.gov.au to find out the other essential items to include in your emergency kit.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-a-fire-be-prepared/emergency-kits/

05/09/2024

Lots of fun to be had with the CFS during October holidays!!

05/09/2024

Things are continuing to make progress at the Regional Training Centre. Work today commenced for the removal of the fire damaged shed, thanks to Blackbirds. Also the two flag poles next to the original opening stone have been installed.

02/09/2024

Prepare your property

Winter wind and rain may mean your property needs a tidy up before the weather heats up. Take advantage of the milder weather to do some work in the garden to reduce vegetation around your home:

🍃 Remove dead branches, leaves and undergrowth from around your home, especially under trees.
🍃 Prune tree limbs that are lower than two metres above the ground or overhang your home.
🍃 Reduce, remove and manage vegetation such as long grass within 20 metres of your home and within 5 metres of any sheds and garages.
🍃Remove bark, heavy mulch, wood piles and any other flammable materials close to your home and sheds.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-a-fire-be-prepared/preparing-your-home-property/

26/08/2024

Chimney maintenance

Every year in regional SA, the CFS is responded to house fires caused by poor maintenance of heating systems, equipment failure, or items being placed too close to heat sources.

Dirty or damaged flues, clogged chimneys, and unmaintained heating systems can result in fires that cause significant property damage and put lives at risk. The best way to reduce this risk is to prepare your home for the colder weather.

For your family’s safety, it is recommended that you have your chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned at least once a year, ideally at the start of winter. This should always be carried out using a qualified tradesperson, and as recommended by the manufacturer.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/news-media/news/latest-news/chimney-maintenance-and-home-safety-for-winter/

26/08/2024

Over the past weekend we ran two Incident Management Exercises with in the Region. First one took place at Kingston Group Base, and the Seccond was at Port MacDonald Group Base. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who gave up their weekends to make this happen. Thank you also to the Regional Staff and State Staff who came down to make it all work!

19/08/2024

Camp fires

Planning on a cozy weekend away in front of a campfire?

Before cooking your smores make sure your fire is either in:
- a properly constructed fireplace
- a portable cooking appliance
- a 30cm deep trench within a no more than one metre square area.

All campfires should have a four-metre cleared space around and above the fire and a responsible person monitoring the fire at all times.

When your finished, make sure you fully extinguish the fire before you leave the area.

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/news-media/news/latest-news/essential-campfire-safety-tips-you-need-to-know/

18/08/2024

It's been a busy weekend for our Regional Training Centre, and moving forward we will see more.

We have had new fire-fighters undertake their Basic Fire fighting 1 training and,

The SA State Emergency Service was undertaking their basic Road Crash Rescue course.

So great to see!