Community Bushfire Meeting Summary

Macclesfield Institute Hall, Wednesday February 18th, 6:30 pm

(Approx. 150 residents attended)

 

Thank you to the many community members who attended the meeting. The strong turnout reflects how much people care about our town and our preparedness.

 

We also thank our guests:

 

• Dan Partridge – Macclesfield CFS Captain

• Todd Mattingly – Incident Commander

• Brett Williamson - CFS Trainer

• Vikki Hann – Regional Community Engagement Officer

• Rowan Voogt – Deputy Mayor, Mount Barker District Council

• Dan Newson – Council Emergency Management Planning

• Josh Teague MP

 

Fire Overview

 

The Macclesfield Fire started around 1am on Tuesday 17th February, 2026, between Strathalbyn Road and Bugle Ranges Road.

The fire was started by a tree falling onto powerlines near the creek line.

 

It spread:

• Along the creek

• Up into Mt Dennis

• Toward homes along Lisa Court and the estate

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This was a complex firefighting operation due to:

 

• Downed powerlines

• Difficulty crossing the creek

• Dense, impenetrable scrub

• Thick gorse on Mt Dennis

• Proximity to homes

 

A grader was used to create a fire break behind Lisa Court homes.

 

The response included:

• Over 40 fire appliances

• Aerial bombers

• Spotter planes

  Firefighters were supported by SA Police, SA Ambulance, heavy machinery and farm fire units 

 

Aircraft Operations

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Why don’t planes operate at night?

Aircraft require daylight to safely observe obstacles such as powerlines.

 

Fire retardant used by aircraft:

 

• A very diluted Class A biodegradable foam

• If dropped on a roof it may temporarily affect water taste

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Private Firefighting Vehicles

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A question was raised about offers of assistance from private vehicles with firefighting capabilities.

 

The CFS explained that the fireground is:

 

• Complex

• Dynamic

• Extremely dangerous

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CFS crews are highly trained and operate in coordinated teams with constant updates. 

Communication is on UHF Chanel 9

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For safety reasons, personal vehicles were asked to stay away from the fireground or request permission from the incident controller.

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UHF Radio Channel 9

 

Private firefighting equipment can be useful for:

 

• Protecting your own property

• Extinguishing embers away from the active fireground

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The Town Siren

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This was the first time the community-funded siren was used in a real emergency.

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Feedback from residents:

 

• Many heard the siren (majority by show of hands)

• Some residents were woken by it and were very thankful

• Some slept through it

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Many who heard the siren:

 

• Checked emergency apps

• Contacted friends and neighbours

 

 

This highlighted the importance of:

 

• Knowing your neighbours’ contact details

• Setting up your own “phone tree”

 

Emergency Apps & Alerts

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Some residents reported:

 

• Not receiving alerts

• Not hearing alerts

• Confusion about app information

 

Emergency apps can require multiple setup steps to ensure loud, effective notifications.

 

The Macclesfield Resilience Group will:

 

• Provide clear instructions for correct app setup

• Organise a CFS-run session on setting up phones properly

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Understanding “Watch and Act”

 

 

Brett from CFS explained how information is gathered and posted to the website and apps.

 

Watch and Act means:

 

• Consider the information provided

• Implement your Bushfire Survival Plan

 

If you are planning to leave — leave early.

 

Roads can quickly become more dangerous due to:

 

• Panic departures

• High traffic volumes

• Bottlenecks

 

Evacuation Information

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Residents should evacuate to a Safer Place.

 

Nearest Safer Places:

 

• Mount Barker township

• Strathalbyn township

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Evacuate away from the Watch and Act area.

 

Important Clarification:

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• Macclesfield Oval is NOT a Safer Place.

• It is designated as a Place of Last Resort only.

• There is inadequate shelter from radiant heat.

• No assistance should be expected there.

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Many residents evacuated to Mount Barker or Strathalbyn.

 

The RSL prepared food in case it was needed. As the situation improved, the food was instead provided to firefighters at the CFS shed.

 

The Macclesfield Institute is not an approved emergency shelter.

It was within the Watch and Act zone on the morning of the fire.

 

The Institute may be used as a Post Disaster Recovery Centre, once safe, if the community needs a place to gather and support one another. The Institute may only be opened with permission from the Macclesfield Community, in the event of any disaster.

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Bushfire Survival Plans

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By show of hands, many residents indicated they have written a Bushfire Survival Plan.

 

The Resilience Group will work with CFS to provide further training on:

 

• Writing and reviewing plans

• Considering different fire scenarios

• Setting clear triggers for leaving

 

Property Access & Firetruck Access

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Important reminders:

 

• If there are low trees over your driveway, or no room for a firetruck to turn around, trucks may not be able to access your property.

• If you evacuate and access is reasonable, leave gates open.

• If you have a water tank that could be used by firefighters, contact Council for information about required fittings.

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Road Verges, Vegetation & Council Responsibilities

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Concerns were raised about:

 

• Roadside slashing

• Overhanging branches

• Fire hazards on verges

• A paddock at Crystal Lake that has not been slashed

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Council Road Network

 

Mount Barker District Council manages approximately:

 

• 430 km sealed roads

• 400 km unsealed roads (primarily rural)

• 65 km unformed road reserves

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Council has a slashing program in place.

 

 

Verge Maintenance Responsibilities

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Responsibility is shared:

 

Township / Residential Areas

 

• Property owners are generally expected to maintain their own roadside verges (mowing and weed control).

 

Rural Areas

 

• Council has primary responsibility for rural roadside slashing to meet fire mitigation obligations.

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Native Vegetation

 

• Roadside works must follow the Native Vegetation Roadside Management Plan.

• Road verges make up a significant portion of remaining native habitat in the Mount Barker Council area.

• Fire safety work must balance risk reduction with protection of native flora and wildlife.

 

Overhanging or Dangerous Neighbour Trees

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A question was raised about trees dangerously overhanging fence lines.

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Recommended Action Plan:

 

1. Speak with your neighbour first.

   They may be unaware of the concern and willing to engage a professional.

2. Contact Mount Barker Council

   Call Customer Service: (08) 8391 7200

   Check whether the tree is classified as Significant or Regulated before undertaking work.

3. Engage a Qualified Arborist

   For dangerous branches, use a professional who works to Australian Standard 4373.

   Improper cutting can damage the tree and may create liability.

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Raising Issues with Council

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Councillor Rowan Voogt explained that:

 

• In order to escalate issues to Council staff, he will have more traction on an issue if multiple residents formally raise the concern.

• He is willing to advocate for matters including:

   

  • Woody weeds

  • Fire hazard growth

  • Verge maintenance concerns

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Residents are encouraged to contact him directly if they wish these matters to be pursued.

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Gorse on Mt Dennis

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Residents raised concerns about the significant gorse growth on Mt Dennis and frustration that it has worsened.

 

Dan Newson clarified:

 

• The land is privately owned.

• Council’s Natural Assets Team, Fire Prevention Officer, and the Landscape Board are working with the landowner.

 

It was noted that:

 

• After fire, gorse can regrow thicker.

• Effective management requires timely herbicide treatment following fire event

 

Supporting the CFS

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Residents asked how they could thank and support the CFS.

 

CFS responses:

 

• Community members are welcome to attend the next training night (Monday 23rd February) to express thanks in person.

• Donations will be collected in person.

• Donations can also be made at the upcoming Election Sausage Sizzle, March 21st

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Upcoming upgrades at the CFS shed include:

 

• Water storage

• Pump systems

• Kitchen facilities

 

Importantly, CFS stated:

 

The best way to support the CFS is to have a well-prepared personal Bushfire Survival Plan.

 

There are also many volunteer roles beyond frontline firefighting, including:

 

• Cooking and food preparation

• Serving meals to crews

• Logistics

• Communications

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Mental Health & Wellbeing

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It was acknowledged that events like this can have mental health impacts on both adults and children.

 

Residents were encouraged to:

 

• Seek professional advice if experiencing ongoing anxiety.

• Monitor children for signs of distress.

• Be aware that pets may also react to their owners’ stress.

 

 

Ness Weibers, who works in the area of children, young people and disasters, offered to share helpful resources.

(These have been posted on the Macclesfield Community Chat Facebook page.)

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SOME USEFUL PHONE  APPS

*  Alert SA, Bushfire.io, BoM, Emergency+, CFS Scan