Bushfires and Fire Prevention

The Fire Danger Season in the Mount Lofty Ranges generally begins each year on 1 December and is in place until 30 April, however these dates are subject to change with current weather conditions.

Regulations to protect lives and property during the fire danger season are in place and applicable to everyone, not just those living in bushfire prone areas. It is essential that you are familiar with the regulations and understand what you can and cannot do, whether you are at home, on holiday or visiting a national park.

Once the Fire Danger Season has begun there are strict controls on the lighting of fires and the use of certain tools in the open. The restrictions remain in place until the end of the Fire Danger Season. The Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 allows for the issuing of permits (schedule 9 or 10, not EPA air quality permits) for the use of fire or prescribed equipment during the fire danger season or on days declared as a 'Total Fire Ban'.

The Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Bushfire Management Committee has introduced strict permit issuing guidelines which all authorised officers must adhere to prior to issuing any permit. Permits will only be issued if in the opinion of the Authorised Officer it is warranted and if there is a direct risk to an asset.

For permit applications contact our Fire Prevention Officers on 8408 0400.

Living in the Hills means living with bushfire risk. We all have a part to play in preparing for fire danger season, and there are actions to be taken year-round which can help reduce the negative impact of bushfires when they do occur.

Council has a detailed Bushfire Mitigation Landscape Strategy which explains the responsibilities of residents, Council, and other relevant organizations in managing the land to prepare for bushfires.

You can find the full strategy here, as well as a quick reference guide that clearly sets out key information.

We have also provided a breakdown of 'shared responsibility' and what this looks like in practice.

Resources from the CFS provide advice to prepare your property and your family, help you plan for bushfire danger season and develop a Bushfire Survival Plan.

Making an informed decision well in advance of a bushfire whether you should stay in your house or go is perhaps the most important decision you and your family can make to protect yourselves.

The CFS website provides useful information regarding native vegetation clearance and bushfires, and various codes of practice to inform how several common activities such as comfort fires and vegetation rubbish burning should be undertaken.

Prescribed burning (also called controlled burning or planned burning) is the process of using fire to reduce potential fuel hazards ahead of the Fire Danger Season, manage native vegetation, and protect biodiversity in parks and reserves. In South Australia prescribed burns are carried out by the Department for Environment and Water.