During February and March, 2025, the Wilmington (Mt. Remarkable, Flinders Ranges) and Fox (near Lucindale in the South East) fires were of concern to SAVEM. The SAVEM Coordinator contacted a senior DEW officer in Port Augusta regarding the Wilmington fire to offer SAVEM’s services, especially for care of wildlife. SAVEM’s offer was well received, but our presence was not required as the fire was slow moving and the impact on wildlife was believed to be small. The plan was for DEW to monitor wildlife issues, and contact SAVEM if the situation changed and help was required.
With regard to the Fox fire, the Coordinator asked the Emergency Manager at PIRSA to investigate the impact on wildlife, with a view to SAVEM assisting if required. The Fox fire was small, initially hot, but slow moving on privately owned scrub land. The response from DEW and the local community was that local resources could manage any presenting wildlife issues. PIRSA also assisted by asking the CFS to include in their Incident Action Plan a request to firefighters to watch out for and report any issues concerning injured wildlife.
SAVEM proactively sought information regarding both fires, and good communication and collaboration confirmed the sound relationships we have built with other Emergency Services agencies.
The photos below are from ABC News, supplied by the SA Country Fire Service (Fox) and the Department of Environment and Water (Wilmington).
Above: The Fox fire, Photo SA CFS
Below: The Wilmington fire, Photo DEW
