S
outh Australia will trial a new artificial intelligence system aimed at speeding up bushfire warnings, in a move the government says could cut delays and improve the clarity of urgent public messages during fast-moving fire events.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has committed $550,000 to the Rapid Warning Message Project, which is designed to automate the drafting of emergency alerts. The system will use AI to generate warning messages in seconds, replacing a process that currently relies on manual preparation by trained staff.
At present, emergency warnings are written and checked by personnel who must interpret fire modelling data, assess the potential spread of a fire, and draft messages that meet strict communication standards before they are released. Authorities say that process, while thorough, can take valuable minutes at a time when fires may be changing rapidly.
Under the trial, AI will assist in turning fire impact modelling into draft warning messages almost immediately. Those drafts will still be reviewed by authorised and experienced staff before they are sent to the public and media, ensuring human oversight remains in place.
The government says the aim is to reduce the time between identifying a threat and issuing a warning, while also improving consistency in messaging and easing pressure on staff working under intense conditions. It is also expected to lower the chance of errors in public alerts.
The initiative forms part of the state’s $28 million AI Proof of Value program, which supports targeted trials of artificial intelligence across government services. The bushfire warning project will be tested and evaluated by the Country Fire Service over the next 12 months, with work beginning this month.
Emergency Services Minister Chris Picton said the technology could make a practical difference during emergencies where timing is critical.
“We all know the dangers bushfires pose. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce delays, improve accuracy and consistency, and ultimately save lives,” he said.
“This is an example of AI technology helping the community and the emergency service workers.”
He said the shift would change how warnings are prepared in real time, moving away from a fully manual process to one where draft messages can be produced almost instantly before expert review.
“Previously, these highly skilled staff were manually modelling and drafting messages, soon that warning will be created within seconds,” he said.
Rhiannon Pearce said the focus of the project is ensuring people receive clear and timely information when conditions change quickly.
“During a bushfire, every second counts and this investment will help ensure South Australians get the information they need, faster than ever before,” she said.
She said the technology will convert complex modelling into straightforward public messaging designed to help people understand risk and respond quickly.
“The Rapid Warning Message Project will use the latest technology to turn complex fire modelling into clear, public warnings in a matter of seconds,” she said.
“This is about giving communities earlier warnings, clearer advice, and ultimately more time to act to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The South Australian Country Fire Service says it will play a central role in testing the system and assessing how it performs in real operational settings.
CFS Executive Director of Statewide Operations Brenton Hastie said the agency is continuing to look for tools that support frontline decision-making and public communication.
“We are always seeking new tools and technology CFS staff can use to improve our emergency response and better inform the community about risk,” he said.
He said the intention is for AI to complement existing expertise rather than replace it, with experienced staff still responsible for final approval of all public warnings.
“AI technology will grow the tools our experienced staff already utilise to make life-saving decisions,” he said.
The CFS will also assess how the system performs under pressure, including whether it improves consistency in messaging and reduces the workload on staff during high-demand incidents.
The trial comes as emergency services across Australia continue to review how technology can support response times and public communication during increasingly complex and fast-changing fire seasons. While the government has pointed to potential benefits in speed and efficiency, the system will be closely evaluated before any broader rollout is considered.
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