About

In this report, researchers will focus on the Sampson Flat Bushfire and the subsequent future impact of bushfires in the Adelaide region. Viewing this event as a geohazard will allow important geological factors, such as the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere, to be further explored. A brief background of South Australia’s bushfire history will be provided, as well as a timeline of important events, relevant maps and possible management ideas to improve South Australia’s preparation and response to bushfires.

HISTORY and OVERVIEW

South Australia has faced some of the most devastating bushfires in Australia’s history. According to researchers Luke and McArthur (1978), South Australia can expect serious fires in the state in 6-7 years out of 10. This statistic reveals the susceptibility of our state to the perils of bushfires, and their alarming high frequency especially during times of extreme heat.

The Sampson Flat Bushfire took place in South Australia, severely affecting the Adelaide Hills region. A series of bushfires began burning on the 2nd of January in the suburb of Sampson Flat, and eventually travelled southeast through Kersbrook, Gumeracha and the Mount Lofty Ranges where it continued to burn until the 9th of January (Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC 2016). The total burned area covered approximately 49, 000 acres, in which 27 homes were destroyed and 134 people were injured (CFS 2016). The cause of the fire remains ‘unknown’, however, it is widely believed that an incinerator being used on private property is to blame.

Ultimately, the Sampson Flat fire became the most destructive fire in the Adelaide Hills for more than 30 years (Every, D, et al. 2016).

TIMELINE

Significant fires in South Australia’s history:

‘Black Sunday’  – January 2nd 1955

  • Location: Adelaide Hills
  • Area affected: 40, 000 hectares.
  • 2 fatalities (both firefighters)
  • Estimated damage: $4 million
  • Details:
    • Extreme fire conditions
    • Strong south-westerly wind change followed

Ash Wednesday II – 16th February 1983                    

  • Location: The fires spanned the states of South Australia and Victoria  
    • 2, 080km2 in SA
    • 2, 100km2 in Victoria.
  • 28 fatalities in SA.
  • More than 2, 000 injuries.
  • Over 3, 700 buildings destroyed.
  • 60% of the houses lost in South Australia were located in the Mt Lofty Ranges.
  • Livestock losses:
    • 340, 000 sheep
    • 18, 000 cattle
    • and Native animals, pets.
  • Estimated damage $400 million
  • A state of disaster was declared for the first time in South Australia’s history.

Wangary Fire– January 11th 2005

  • Location: Wangary, Eyre Peninsula.
  • Area affected: 78, 000 hectares.
  • 9 fatalities
  • 93 home destroyed.
  • 47, 000 livestock lost.

Sampson Flat – 2nd January 2015

  • Location: Adelaide Hills
  • Area affected: 49, 000 acres.
  • No fatalities
  • 132 injured (62 firefighters)
  • 27 homes destroyed.
  • Estimated damage: $13 million

Pinery Fire – 25th November 2015

  • Location: 70km North of Adelaide
    • Lower Mid North
    • West Barossa Valley Region
  • Details: High winds and open wheat fields allowed fire to move with incredible speed.
  • Area Affected: 82 500 hectares
  • 2 fatalities
  • 91 homes destroyed
  • Estimated damage: $170 million