If you live in the Adelaide Hills - Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater, Crafers, Mylor, Heathfield - bushfire gutter prep is non-negotiable. The CFS spells it out.
The CFS 5-step plan
- Move flammable items 20m from the home
- Reduce fuel loads - mow grass, clear undergrowth
- Clean gutters and roof valleys
- Trim trees overhanging the roof
- Have your Bushfire Survival Plan ready
The 1 November deadline
The SA Fire Danger Season runs from 1 November to 30 April typically. Gutters should be cleaned before then. Many Hills households add a third clean in autumn after leaf drop.
Ember mesh
For BAL-12.5+ properties (most of Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater), aluminium ember mesh (1.8mm aperture) is the AS3959-aligned standard. Plastic mesh is not bushfire-rated and degrades in UV.
Insurance angle
Many Hills home insurance policies now include maintenance conditions for bushfire-prone properties. Documented twice-yearly cleaning with photo evidence protects your claim position.