A controlled burn on private property sparks McLaren Vale bushfire threat

A controlled burn off to manage an invasive olive species has triggered a McLaren Vale bushfire threat.

• Fireys gain upper hand in separate bushfires

A grass fire that threatened Onkaparinga National Park on Wednesday afternoon was likely sparked by lingering embers from a controlled burn to manage an invasive olive species.

The Country Fire Service issued a warning on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a grass fire off Sheoak Rd, McLaren Vale.

The fire was causing smoke to drift to Onkaparinga Hills and Old Noarlunga.

The property owner, who did not want to be named, said the wind likely fanned underground embers from an approved burn off on Tuesday night that was meant to manage an invasive olive species.

Neighbouring landowner Justin Arthur, 35, said controlled burns on the thin strip of parkland stopped bushfires from spreading into more heavily forested areas.

“We would never do a burn off with this wind, we’re not stupid,” Mr Arthur said.

“National Parks (Authority) haven’t done a burn here for the last seven years so we had to do it ourselves … these two properties stop fire from spreading down towards the road.

“We want to get rid of the olive trees, they’re a pest and the best thing to do is kill the roots so they don’t grow.

“There’s a lot of fuel there and it just needs to be done.”

Justin Arthur, 35, with his dog Roter, owns of one of the properties affected by the now contained fire on Sheoak Rd, McLaren Vale, Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

A CFS volunteer on the scene told The Advertiser strong northerly winds fanned the flames downhill into Onkaparinga National Park, burning about a hectare of grassland and foliage.

A change in wind direction helped crews and the fire was contained within about two hours.

No injuries or property damage were reported.

The McLaren Vale bushfire was one of two separate blazes that were contained on Wednesday afternoon.

About 1.15pm CFS released an advice messages for both McLaren Vale, Sheoak Rd near Old Noarlunga in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Black Springs off the Barrier Highway.

“You are advised to close all doors and windows and stay indoors if the smoke is causing you concern. Be careful when driving as smoke may reduce visibility,” the CFS message said.