ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT DEPLOYED AHEAD OF BUMPER HARVEST

By Jessica Dempster

South Australia is boosting its firefighting resources ahead of a harvest forecast to be one of the biggest in the state’s history.

The State Government says production is expected to be 28% above the five-year average, increasing the risk of crop, stubble and grass fires during hot, dry and windy conditions.

From mid-October until late December, three fixed-wing bombers and two helicopters will be stationed at Port Pirie for the first time, providing a faster response to fires across the Mid North, Flinders Ranges and Northern Yorke Peninsula.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the additional aircraft will help protect farmers, regional communities and the state's expected bumper crop.

However, the Country Fire Service says prevention remains critical, urging growers to inspect machinery regularly, check bearings, belts and electrical systems, and ensure farm firefighting units are ready.

Farmers are also being encouraged to monitor daily fire danger ratings, follow the Grain Harvesting Code of Practice and have a fire response plan in place.

Grain Producers SA has welcomed the additional resources, saying preparation and monitoring conditions throughout the working day will be essential to bringing in the crop safely.