Spring prescribed burn program begins
A total of 47 prescribed burns are proposed as part of the Department for Environment and Water’s (DEW) spring 2025 fire management program.
Burns of varying sizes and complexities have been prepared this spring, including 33 burns planned for the Adelade and Mount Lofty Ranges region.
Two burns have already been completed in the Bascombe Well and Ngarkat conservation parks due to favourable weather conditions. The next burn is planned to occur tomorrow (October 4) on Kangaroo Island.
Prescribed burns are a vital fire management tool to reduce fuel loads across public and private land, and to help protect communities and industries by limiting the spread and intensity of bushfires.
DEW Fire Management Director Fiona Gill said reducing the risk of bushfires across the state was important to make bushfires easier to control.
“Prescribed burns provide a safer environment for firefighters and, ultimately, help to save lives and property,” Ms Gill said.
“Conditions are assessed at all proposed burn sites and DEW may decide to conduct some burns later in the season, or even postpone them for a season, if the conditions are likely to impact the habitat’s ability to recover or for the burn to be safely managed.”
Prescribed burns can also play an important role in regenerating habitats for native plants and animals, and the requirements of these species are factored into the planning process.
Prescribed burns are not the only tactic to reduce bushfire risks. They are designed to enhance and support other mitigation measures, including mechanical thinning, slashing and weed control, to help achieve the best outcomes.
In this year’s autumn program, DEW exceeded its target of 37 burns, completing 42 burns across the state. An average of 70 per cent of proposed burns have been completed each year over the past decade.
A strategic, risk-based approach is used to carefully manage smoke, particularly around the state’s wine grape areas, and smoke taint from DEW prescribed burning has not been recorded since its fire management program started in 2004.
Burns that are unable to be completed due to unsuitable weather are rolled over to the following spring or autumn as part of an ongoing, rolling 3-year mitigation program.
Prescribed burns are planned in partnership with other land management agencies (ForestrySA and SA Water), Country Fire Service, councils and private landholders.
For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website.
You can also sign up for updates on prescribed burns straight to your inbox.
