Fire season extended in Mt Lofty Ranges following increase in aerial firefighting

The Government of South Australia has reported that the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District’s season has been extended to 14 May 2025 due to continuing hot and dry conditions.

This marks the first extension in the region since 2019 and comes after the state’s aerial firefighting fleet recorded a sharp increase in activity during the 2024/25 Fire Danger Season.

According to the Government of South Australia, aircraft were deployed to around 3,000 drops this season, compared with approximately 1,600 in the 2023/24 period.

Aircraft hours and dispatches increase across South Australia

The Government of South Australia stated that aerial firefighting aircraft flew 1,920 hours this season, compared to 1,399 hours last season.

Over 1,300 aircraft dispatches were recorded in response to more than 200 incidents.

The government said these resources supported ground crews during major events including the Wilmington fire in the Flinders Ranges and fires caused by lightning in the South East.

Additional aircraft brought in under $26.7 million funding

The Government of South Australia reported that its $26.7 million investment last season enabled the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the state’s history.

This included the addition of five new aircraft, bringing the total fleet to more than 30.

The state government said this increased capacity allowed for a faster and broader response to emerging fire threats.

Safety reminders remain in place as fire season continues

The Government of South Australia reminded the public that restrictions around campfires and barbecues continue during the Fire Danger Season.

Campfires are not permitted on a Total Fire Ban Day without a permit.

Gas and electric barbecues are allowed under specific conditions, including distance from vegetation and proximity to residential or coastal premises.

Emily Bourke, Assistant Minister for Autism and South Australia’s Upper House member, said: “After the driest summer we’ve seen in years, conditions remain a concern for frontline personnel – particularly in the Mount Lofty Ranges.”

Emily Bourke added: “CFS volunteers on the ground have been supported by crews in the sky, with our aerial fleet recording more drops and hours flown than last season.”

Emily Bourke said: “Their combined skills protect communities across the state and South Australians are reminded to follow simple steps to help volunteers get a break this Easter.”

CFS Acting Deputy Chief Officer Brenton Hastie said: “Fuel loads vary across the Mount Lofty Ranges, with high forest and scrub fuels in parts and somewhat low fuels in others, and the exceptionally dry conditions and lack of forecast rain in the near future poses a risk of fire.”

Brenton Hastie added: “Volunteers have worked incredibly hard to keep the South Australian community safe throughout this Fire Danger Season and will continue to respond to incidents across the state, but the community need to be aware that the risk of fire won’t abate until there is significant rainfall.”

South Australia reports extended fire danger season and record aircraft activity: Summary

The Government of South Australia extended the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District season to 14 May 2025.

This is the first extension in the district since 2019.

Aerial firefighting aircraft recorded around 3,000 drops this season.

This compares to nearly 1,600 drops during the 2023/24 season.

Aircraft flew 1,920 hours this season.

This is up from 1,399 hours in the previous season.

Over 1,300 dispatches were recorded.

More than 200 incidents were responded to using aerial support.

Major events included the Wilmington fire and lightning-triggered blazes in the South East.

The Government of South Australia previously invested $26.7 million to increase aerial firefighting capacity.

Five new aircraft were added, with the fleet totalling over 30 aircraft.

Campfire and barbecue restrictions remain in place during the active Fire Danger Season.

Gas and electric barbecues are permitted under certain safety conditions.

Campfires are not permitted during a Total Fire Ban Day without a permit.

The information was reported by the Government of South Australia.