20/12/2024
5 years ago today South Australia faced one of it’s darkest and most terrifying days in the state’s history!
After 4 days of extreme heat, the 20th of December was forecasted with catastrophic fire conditions. Temperatures in the west of the state reached 49.9°C, while several other sites exceeded 45°C, and Adelaide reached 43.9°C.
What was an exciting and festive time of the year, quickly took a dark turn for many SA residents, as more than 200 bushfires burned across the state that day, including the Cudlee Creek Bushfire in the Adelaide Hills that spread rapidly, threatening the townships of Mount Pleasant, Springton, Palmer, Cudlee Creek, Mount Torrens, Harrogate, Inglewood, Gumeracha, Lobethal and Woodside.
Over the next few days, the fire burned 23,000 ha, destroying 84 homes, over 400 outbuildings and 292 vehicles.
On the same day, Kangaroo Island also experienced multiple dry lightning strikes, sparking fires that took 11 days to contain.
56 homes and hundreds of other buildings including a large eco-tourism facility were destroyed.
Across the state, 3 people sadly lost their lives as a result of these fires, as well as countless livestock and wildlife.
After speaking with many victims of these fires, who’s homes, properties, and livelihoods were destroyed or heavily impacted, one common thing that we would hear is how they never thought it would happen to them!
Although they were aware of the risk of living in a bushfire area, the threat didn’t actually feel real until it was on their door step!
Unfortunately, this is a trap that many people fall into!
We urge you to take bushfire danger seriously and not wait until it is too late before taking action!
Please visit our website or get in contact with us to find out how you can protect your family, home and property during bushfire season!
Today, our thoughts are with all the victims of the Black Summer of 2019 and 2020, not only in South Australia but across the country, and we wish everyone a safe Christmas and festive season!
