This summer 2005-06, the CFS introduced a new system to alert the community to bushfires. 

This new system is the ‘Bushfire Information and Warning System’ and comprises two types of messages a bushfire information message and a bushfire warning message. 

This system replaces the Phase Warning System.

Although the CFS will provide as much information as possible, it is the responsibility of every South Australian to ensure they are adequately prepared for a bushfire and know what to do should one occur.

WHAT IS A BUSHFIRE INFORMATION MESSAGES?

A ‘bushfire information message’ is issued to the community to provide information about a bushfire, which is yet to be brought under control and is threatening or has the potential to threaten public safety.

This message includes information and advice in relation to the effects a bushfire may have on an area, away from where the bushfire is actually occurring. This information may include details on smoke or road closures.

Bushfire Information Messages are tailored to each specific situation and updated as the bushfire situation changes. 

WHAT IS A BUSHFIRE WARNING MESSAGE?

A bushfire warning message is the highest level of warning to all South Australians, and will generally be issued for wide area community impact. 

A bushfire warning message will be issued when a major bushfire is burning out of control in very high to extreme fire weather conditions at the fire, and where CFS is primarily undertaking defensive strategies to protect lives and property.

In addition, the message will also only be issued when the risk of loss or life or threat to properties is almost certain or has occurred. 

This message will be accompanied by the use of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal – and audible siren like sound. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?

The essential difference between the two messages is that a bushfire information message is designed to alert to the community to a bushfire and provides information about actions they should take. 

An information message may also be issued to alert a community to smoke in their area which may be as a result of another fire within the state or even interstate such as Victoria. 

These messages will be issued on a more regular basis than a bushfire warning message depending on the changing situation of the bushfire.

A bushfire warning message will be issued when a major bushfire is burning out of control in very high to extreme fire weather conditions at the fire, where the risk of loss or life or threat to properties is almost certain or has occurred and where CFS is primarily undertaking defensive strategies to protect lives and property.

A bushfire warning message will also be accompanied by the use of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal – an audible siren like sound when broadcast on radio.

WHAT DO THESE MESSAGES TELL ME?

Both the bushfire information and bushfire warning message is designed to provide the community with the following information on the fire:

• Where the fire is now
• Where the fire is expected to move next
• What the risks faced by people in the area are
• What the public is advised to do about those risks
• What the CFS is doing about the situation

HOW WILL I FIND OUT ABOUT THESE MESSAGES?

The bushfire warning and information messages will be aired on ABC radio and 5AA, which have written agreements with CFS to broadcast warning messages immediately and bushfire information messages as soon as possible. 

The bushfire warning message will be broadcast every 15 minutes until the threat has reduced as advised by CFS. The bushfire information messages will be aired regularly until CFS advises to cease the broadcast of these messages by issuing a reduced threat message.

We encourage you to listen to your local radio station for information about bushfires in your area. Ensure you have a battery-powered radio, in case of an electricity failure. 

ABC has a strong network of stations across South Australia, to find your local ABC radio frequency click here 

5AA has a number of syndicated stations including 5AU Port Augusta (1242AM), 5CC Port Lincoln (765AM), 5CS Port Pirie (1044AM) and 5MU Murray Bridge (1125AM). 

Whilst we recommend you listen to these official radio stations for information, the CFS also provides the information and warning messages to other media in the affected area.

It is the responsibility of each member of the community on days of high fire danger to listen to these stations for information about fires that may be burning in your area.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I HEAR A BUSHFIRE INFORMATION OR WARNING MESSAGE

CFS will provide these messages to ABC and 5AA as quickly as possible to provide information to the community. 

The messages are very simple and will advise you of what action you should take.

Keep listening to these radio stations using your battery powered radio for ongoing information about the fire or call the CFS Bushfire Hotline on 1300 362 361.

WHERE ELSE CAN I OBTAIN INFORMATION

Information will also be available from the CFS website www.cfs.org.au as well as through the CFS Bushfire Hotline on 1300 362 361. 

CFS is also exploring other technologies to provide information to the community during an emergency and will provide these details when available. 

WHEN SHOULD I PREPARE FOR FIRE SEASON

Preparation for the fire danger season should start well before summer. These preparations should include the development of a bushfire action plan as well as prevention work around your property. 

Part of preparing a bushfire action plan also involves deciding now, before the possibility of a bushfire occurring, what you and your family will do on days of high fire danger.

You need to decide now whether you will stay and defend your property or whether you will go early in the day. 

If the decision is made to go to a safer location on days of high fire danger, then ensure you leave early, taking with you the items you have included in your bushfire action plan.

These decisions and actions should not be left to the last minute.

If you are going to stay and defend your property, you need to ensure you have undertaken your prevention work. Research conducted over many years has shown that people who shelter in well-prepared houses during a bushfire have an greater chance of survival. 

The decision to stay and defend or go early is a critical decision, and is your decision to make before a bushfire threatens.

Click here for more information about bushfire prevention and protecting yourself.