Firefighters successfully contain blaze sparked near Centenary Tower

A bushfire near Mt Gambier that begun on Tuesday morning has been contained and the public has been urged to stay away during the mop-up.

Firefighters have contained a bushfire in Mt Gambier and authorities are urging community members to keep away from the site while crews mop up.

The majority of CFS and MFS firefighters have left the fireground following a blaze that sparked near the Centenary Tower and cemetery about 2.30am Tuesday.

About 50ha of scrub and vegetation has been destroyed and it is not known whether there is any damage to the almost 100-year-old landmark.

A MFS crew will continue to monitor hotspots overnight, according to the CFS.

A grass fire ignited near Centenary Tower in Mount Gambier in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Picture: Supplied / Limestone Coast Community News

The grass fire is burning in the Lake Valley area in Mount Gambier. Picture: Supplied / Limestone Coast Community News

Smoke was seen billowing from the blaze in a northeasterly direction at about 10am on Tuesday.

Around 150 firefighters from the MFS, CFS, Forestry SA and National Parks and Wildlife with the help of aerial water bombers were on the ground on Wednesday.

Authorities warned the fire would continue to burn all of Wednesday.

“The terrain is difficult to access due to thickly vegetated hills and the hot humid weather is also making firefighting conditions challenging,” an MFS spokeswoman said.

Helicopter water bombers were deployed to help combat the scrub fire in Mount Gambier which continues to burn overnight. Picture: Tim Rosenthal

Messenger photo request Helicopter water bombers have been deployed to help combat the scrub fire in Mount Gambier which continues to burn overnight in the Lake Valley District. Picture: Tim Rosenthal

Centenary Tower surrounded by smoke. Picture: Tim Rosenthal

“The public is asked to stay away from the Centenary Tower and Valley Lake area to allow crews to work,” the spokeswoman said.

An advice message for smoke was reissued on Wednesday morning, and residents with respiratory problems were advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed.

Efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by a member of the public operating a drone near the site on Tuesday, forcing waterbombing to halt until the device was grounded.

“You should not be operating a drone over a fireground at any time, particularly when there are fire bombers … it’s a danger to the pilot as well as crews on the ground,” an MFS spokesperson said.

Police are appealing to the public for information to help identify the drone pilot.

“All reports from the community have been investigated and thus far, discounted. We thank everyone for their ongoing assistance – it could be your piece of information that allows ongoing investigations to continue,” a police spokesperson said.

Thick plumes of smoke can be seen from the Mount Gambier Lake Valley fire. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Heavy smoke drifting in a north-easterly direction from the Centenary Tower. Picture: Arj Ganesan

#mountgambier 8:20am bombing run. Quick turn around times 💪 crews working hard! Thank you!!! #fire#bushfire#southaustralia@cityofmountg@[e-mail]/p5rRocG6b7

— bushmanstevo (@bushmanstevo) January 24, 2022

Amanda Mckinnon, who works at ac.care, was unable to head into the White Ave office on Tuesday due to road closures and said she was worried after the forest plantation fire sparked near Coles about 20 minutes outside Lucindale.

“I’m obviously concerned about the community … but also for what it means for people who have to do the job,” she said.

The plantation fire sadly caused the death of devoted mother of two Louise Hincks, 44, when she was hit by a falling, burning branch and seriously injured a 62-year-old man, from Ironbank, who remains in hospital with serious injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.

City of Mount Gambier chief executive, Sarah Philpott, reminded locals to stay away from the fireground.

“There is still some uncertainty around conditions and we understand that the fire will smoulder for days and even weeks to come,” she said.

“Therefore, it is important to avoid the area to ensure public safety and so we can start the assessment process to develop a plan for recovery.”

Ms Philpott said once the Crater Lakes area was deemed under control the assessment process would begin.

“When we have an idea of the recovery work that is required in the areas affected by the fire, there will be a phased opening of the space to the community,” Ms Philpott said.

“This will really depend on what we find, but we will keep the community informed as soon as we know more.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated and anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.