South Australia Police (SAPOL) is urging the community to stay vigilant, to be aware of bushfire risks, and to report suspicious activity over the summer months.
As the final two fire ban districts begin their season today, SAPOL are launching Operation Nomad 2025/26. Operation Nomad is SAPOL's annual bushfire prevention and response initiative that targets deliberate, reckless, and negligent behaviours.
In collaboration with the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) and SA Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), police patrols will be highly visible in high risk fire areas, taking a zero tolerance approach to dangerous behaviour.
Assistant Commissioner Philip Newitt said those caught flouting the law will face tough penalties, ranging from fines through to life imprisonment for deliberately causing a bushfire.
"Bushfires devastate communities, destroy property, and put lives at risk. Operation Nomad is about prevention, vigilance, and community partnership. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately," Assistant Commissioner Newitt said.
"Throughout the season, officers will regularly visit those identified as being a high or significant risk, especially on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating."
Police have identified 63 individuals to monitor throughout the season. This number, which includes those currently incarcerated, is fluid and may increase or decrease based on intelligence gathered throughout the Fire Danger Season.
During the 2024/25 fire danger season, police investigated 88 suspicious fires - 30 were determined to be deliberately lit, resulting in 16 people facing court and 20 people receiving fines.
Last year SAPOL secured bushfire offender monitoring orders for three individuals who have been found guilty of causing a bushfire. Two further applications are currently before the court, which, if approved, will bring the total number of individuals under monitoring orders to five.
"The ability for police to monitor these people will reduce the risk of re-offending and provide a valuable tool when investigating suspicious fire activity," Assistant Commissioner Newitt said.
Rural property owners and residents are urged to prepare their properties and have their machinery serviced to prevent malfunctions that can start fires.
Police remind the public to exercise caution when using prescribed tools, such as cutters, welders, and angle grinders which are a leading cause of fires when not used safely. The use of these tools is strictly prohibited on total fire ban days unless a permit has been issued through local council.
Fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available during any harvesting or high-risk related activities, and non-compliance will result in a fine.
Country drivers are reminded to avoid driving on or stopping on verges, discarding cigarettes, or driving through paddocks in inappropriate vehicles.
South Australian CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin reminds South Australians of the role they play in helping to prevent bushfires.
"Our volunteers risk their lives to protect our community and it is critical that all South Australians do their part and share the responsibility of preventing bushfires.
"This Fire Danger Season, we can all do our bit by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious or dangerous activities to Operation Nomad," said Chief Officer Loughlin.
SA MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann said the launch of Operation Nomad is a timely reminder for both regional and metropolitan communities that deliberate and non-intentional fires leave serious impacts on our community.
"The MFS encourages the community to keep an eye out for smoke, smells, and other early signs of fire, and to raise the alarm early. Our firefighters, police and other emergency services will be out in force this summer to ensure the protection of our community."
Police urge the community to report suspicious behaviour via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call on 1800 333 000.
If you see a fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
