Moving Event To Mark Catastrophic Pinery Fire – 10 Years On
Ten years ago, one of South Australia’s fastest-moving bushfires tore across the Adelaide Plains leaving a 50 kilometre trail of devastation that will never be forgotten.
The Pinery Fire, which started north of Mallala just after midday on November 25, 2015, roared through 82,500 hectares of farmland, fanned by ferocious winds and fuelled by standing wheat crops. In a matter of hours, two lives were lost, 91 homes destroyed, thousands of livestock perished, and entire communities were forever changed.
Fought by more than 1,700 firefighters, the inferno’s speed and ferocity shocked even seasoned emergency crews. But from that chaos rose something extraordinary — courage, compassion, and the unmistakable resilience of country South Australians.
Freeling Event to Acknowledge Resilience and Rebuilding Ten Years After Pinery Fire
To mark the tenth anniversary, a special event, “Pinery 10 Years On”, will be held at The Farm Centre in Freeling on Sunday, November 23, bringing together those who lived through the fire, those who helped rebuild, and those who continue to protect their communities today.
The day isn’t about reliving the horror — it’s about recognising how far these communities have come in a decade. There’ll be guest speakers, children’s activities (including a visit from Smokey the Bear), afternoon tea, bar facilities and displays of local fire units. A moving photo exhibition will also be on display, along with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Former Channel 7 news presenter Jessica Adamson will MC the event, with representatives from BlazeAid — the volunteer organisation that poured into the region in the aftermath — sharing their stories.
10 Years On – Lessons Reshaped Emergency Response Across The State
CFS Acting Regional Commander Andrew Stewart praised the ongoing resilience of the region.
“A decade on from the Pinery fire, the communities of Mallala, Roseworthy, Wasleys, Hamley Bridge, Stockport, Owen, Tarlee, Greenock, Kapunda and Freeling continue to demonstrate remarkable determination. Their unity stands as a powerful testament to the strength of regional South Australians.
“In the aftermath of the Pinery fire, the CFS established the Project Pinery Steering Committee and engaged an independent consultant to assess the fire’s impacts and guide the implementation of key lessons.”
Commander Stewart said the fire’s lessons have reshaped emergency response across the state.
“Nine core lessons were identified, including the need for earlier development and broader sharing of incident management plans, upgrades to emergency management facilities, and enhancements to fire appliances—such as fitting trucks with water safety systems.”
Since 2015, aerial firefighting capabilities have also been expanded. “Today, South Australia is recognised as having one of the most proficient and effective aerial firefighting programs in the country.”
Locally, the CFS region has significantly increased its coordination with farm fire units. A purpose-built Emergency Response Centre was opened by the Mallala and Districts Lions Club in 2023, “Moqueet Lee” Pinery Fire Memorial was unveiled at Grace Plains, and in Hamley Bridge, a mosaic “Seat for Janet” is a lasting tribute to Janet Hughes, who tragically lost her life in the fire.
PINERY – 10 YEARS ON
WHEN: Sunday November 23, 1pm-4pm
WHERE: The Farm Centre Freeling
FOR DETAILS: Click Here
