CFS battle tyre fire at intersection of Eyre and Lincoln highways

A giant tyre fire is polluting the air outside an SA town as locals are warned to remain indoors to avoid toxic smoke inhalation from the ongoing blaze.

A South Australian town has been blanketed with smoke as CFS crews battle a large tyre fire that started last night.

CFS were called to the fire at the intersection of the Eyre Highway Way and Lincoln highway, 25 km south of Port Augusta at 1.40am this morning and have been battling the blaze ever since.

Six CFS and three MFS trucks have been trying to get the fire under control, with more expected to arrive.

The CFS reported that the blaze is contained within 15m high concrete tanks, causing “high flames”and a “thick” black smoke being produced.

They reported that the burning discarded tyres are among “unknown miscellaneous materials.”

The fire is burning 25 km southwest of Port Augusta on the Lincoln Highway. Picture: Janet Brain-Hobbs

“Due to the smoke being produced and unknown potentially hazardous burning materials, locals are advised to stay aware of the smoke impact to their location and remain indoors where possible with doors and windows closed,” the CFS said.

The CFS stated there was no fire threat to the nearby township.

SAPOL are attending the event and providing traffic control, having closed off parts of both the Eyre and Lincoln Highways.

Trains along the local rail network have been in communication with SA police and have been advised to “proceed with caution.”

CFS have requested additional resources to manage the incident due to the extreme expected weather conditions in the state’s far north.

CFS crews were called to the fire at 1:40am this morning. Picture: Facebook

JUST IN: Fire crews have quickly responded to a grass fire that came close to homes at Mount Barker on a total fire ban day. Crime scene police are investigating. Details on how the blaze began in 7NEWS Adelaide at 4pm and 6pm | https://t.co/FflxllviDe#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/ezQdMUNLCT

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) February 23, 2023

Port Augusta is set for its third consecutive day exceeding 40 degree temperatures, reaching a low of 30.2 degrees at 6am this morning.

Current weather reports for the state indicate that the current weather conditions are far from over with Adelaide’s overnight temperature hitting a minimum of 26.7C.

The CFS have declared total fire bans for Adelaide, Mount Lofty Ranges, Upper South East, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula and the West Coast as emergency services brace for extreme fire danger across the state.

Meanwhile, crews were also kept busy closer to Adelaide, quickly puting out a grass fire that came close to houses at Mount Barker on Thursday.