THE Country Fire Service (CFS) has called on homeowners to take action now to prevent a serious bushfire, after the first four fire danger days of the season brought with it four serious fires.

Blazes in Penfield Gardens, Lewiston and Daveyston on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as an earlier incident at Evanston South on Thursday, October 24, saw CFS crews spurred in to action early in the fire danger season.

On Wednesday, firefighters were called to a horticulture property near the Gawler River at Penfield Gardens, where a grass fire burnt through 1ha of land.

It took seven appliances, 32 personnel and water bombers to extinguish the fire.

At Daveyston on Friday, two water bombers were needed to extinguish a crop fire which burnt through 34ha and affected some hay bales.

CFS preparedness operations director Brett Loughlin said it was vital all homes in regional areas prepared a bushfire plan as early as possible to avoid disaster.

“Having such hot and dry conditions in October may have caught some people by surprise, but the fire activities in Lewiston and Daveyston should provide a timely reminder to ensure our homes and communities are ready for the upcoming fire season,” he said.

“We are expecting a very hot, dry and prolonged fire season, and it is important that everyone is prepared, and remains vigilant throughout the season.

At Lewiston, eight CFS appliances extinguished a grass fire which burnt through a number of semi-rural backyards in a residential area.

The fire burnt through 5ha, but did not pose a risk to any nearby homes.

Lewiston has seen a burst of semi-rural housing developments in recent times, with many young and first-time homeowners choosing the area to settle down from areas closer to Adelaide.

Mr Loughlin said it was important new homeowners, who may not be used to living in a bushfire danger area, get up to speed with local fire safety.

“We are aware that with peri-urban and semi-rural developments, populations in bushfire risk areas are increasing,” he said.

“Not acknowledging your fire risk can be extremely dangerous if not fatal.

“Complacency is a real concern for the CFS in the lead up to the Fire Season.

“It has been a few years since we have had a major bushfire, but as the activity in New South Wales and Queensland shows, fires can start at any time, and very quickly get out of control.

“Everyone needs to do their bit to ensure that communities can survive bushfires.

Make sure you’re discussing your plans with your neighbours, and friends, and encouraging them to prepare and plan ahead.”