South Australia's Fire Danger Season has begun. Bushfires can threaten lives, property and the electricity network - so now's the time to plan ahead.

Why bushfire preparation matters 

Bushfires can damage property, and the power network that supplies them. Fire-damaged powerlines or equipment may lead to extended outages, and strong winds during fire conditions can cause trees or debris to make contact with powerlines, increasing the risk of ignition and outages.  

Preparing your household and property before fire conditions arrive is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe and minimise disruption. 

How to prepare for Fire Danger Season 

If you live in a bushfire-prone area, plan for the possibility of losing power. Restoration may take time if it’s unsafe for our crews to access the area.  

Here are some key steps to help you prepare: 

• Make a bushfire plan: Visit the CFS website for advice on creating or updating your Bushfire Survival Plan – and include what you’ll do if the power is out. 
• Clear vegetation: Trim trees and shrubs around your property to reduce fuel loads and the risk of fire spread.  
• Back-up power supply: Consider a generator or battery backup to keep essential appliances running during an outage.  
• Prepare an emergency kit: Include battery-powered torches, radios, fully charged power banks, non-perishable food, water and first-aid supplies. 
• Stay informed: Sign up for power-outage notifications on our website, so you’ll receive updates if your property is affected. 

Find more resources and checklists at Bushfire Safety page.  

What we’re doing to prepare 

We’re working year-round to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities. Our pre-season management program includes:  

• Trimming vegetation near powerlines 
• Conducting aerial and group inspections across high-risk bushfire areas 
• Replacing and upgrading network equipment 
• Providing ongoing bushfire risk management training for our people 

During the Fire Danger Season, we monitor weather and fire conditions closely, in rare cases, when fire-danger thresholds are extreme, we may need to temporarily switch off power to protect lives and property.  

Key Fire Danger Season Dates 

Fire Danger Season dates vary across South Australia. Check the CFS website for updates and district information. 

Read more about Bushfire Safety.