Five additional firefighting aircraft will be stationed at Port Pirie as South Australia prepares for one of its biggest crop harvests on record, and the increased fire risk that comes with it.
Three fixed-wing firebombers and two helicopters will operate from Port Pirie between mid-October and late December, providing faster aerial response to grass, crop and stubble fires across the Mid North, Flinders Ranges and northern Yorke Peninsula.
The deployment comes after an exceptional growing season across much of the state.
The latest PIRSA forecast estimates South Australia could produce 11.6 million tonnes of grain in 2026-27, around 32 per cent above the five-year average.
Above-average winter rainfall and strong soil moisture have driven particularly promising conditions for wheat, barley, lentils and canola.
But the enormous amount of crop growth also means more fuel for potentially fast-moving fires once conditions become hot, dry and windy.
The CFS says farmers should inspect machinery every day during harvest, paying particular attention to bearings, belts, pulleys, exhaust systems and electrical components that can become ignition points.
Growers are also being urged to ensure Farm Fire Units are ready, monitor Fire Danger Ratings, know their closest water supply and communicate with neighbours on higher-risk days.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said, “South Australian farmers are the backbone of our state, and many are also CFS volunteers who protect their communities all year round.
“In direct response to the exceptional harvest we’re anticipating, the CFS has contracted five additional aircraft to support and protect our state’s grain growers.
“Aircraft are there to respond quickly if a fire starts, but the best protection is still prevention – and with the Grain Harvesting Code of Practice continuing to guide harvest practices, the preparations undertaken by our farmers will be what makes this season a safe one for everyone.”
The preparations come as several South Australian fire districts prepare for an earlier start to the 2026-27 Fire Danger Season. Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, the North East and North West Pastoral districts and West Coast will begin their seasons on October 15th.
Rhiannon Pearce Minister for Emergency Services shared, “By working together, taking extra care and having the support in place in the event of a fire, we can hopefully have a safe, productive and an incident free harvest.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas added, “This year’s forecast bumper crop is great for our farmers, for our regions and for the South Australian economy more broadly – but more wheat and barley means greater risk of harvest fires. That’s why we have acted to ensure we have a rapid-response option.
“South Australian farmers have a strong track record of protecting their properties, neighbouring landholders and local communities by using proven fire safety measures.”
The CFS is reminding farmers to follow the Grain Harvesting Code of Practice and regularly reassess conditions throughout each day.
With crops approaching harvest and warmer weather ahead, authorities say preparation will be crucial to protecting what is shaping up to be an exceptional season.
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