SA escapes damage on high fire risk day

South Australia has escaped major damage on a day of high fire risk.

Farmers bury dead stock in the mid-north of South Australia

Hot and dry conditions across South Australia have prompted total fire bans. (AAP)

South Australia has escaped major damage after a day of severe conditions sparked a number of small fires.

Despite total fire bans declared for most districts on Friday, at least two burn-offs caused problems, Country Fire Service chief Greg Nettleton.

Lightning on the Eyre Peninsula sparked a fire and a car accident also caused a blaze.

"Thankfully we've been able to get on top of those very quickly so they haven't been able to escape and become a major event," Mr Nettleton said.

Adelaide sweltered through a maximum temperature of 34C on Friday.

The state's hottest centre was Oodnadatta, in the far north, where the mercury hit 37C.

A severe weather warning was also in place for the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas, Kangaroo Island and the Mt Lofty Ranges, for gusts up to 90km/h.

But the State Emergency Service said it responded to only 16 calls during the day and there were no reports of major damage.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the severe conditions were the result of a vigorous trough sweeping across the state, with strong winds battering the state before a cooler change.

Milder conditions are forecast for Saturday, with Adelaide expected to reach just 21C.

Friday's early fire risk came as the CFS and state government launched a fire awareness campaign for the summer fire season, which starts in most areas on November 1.

Emergency Services Minister Chris Picton said it was important for families to prepare their bushfire plans.

"Complacency can kill when it comes to a bushfire. There is often little time to think but if you've already got a plan in place you will be able to act," he said.


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Source: AAP



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