CFS confirms ‘several properties’ lost in Port Lincoln fire as emergency warning message downgraded

The bushfire burning in Port Lincoln has been contained overnight after destroying several buildings – but now there’s a warning for toxic smoke threatening homes.

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A bushfire that destroyed “several properties” in Port Lincoln on Thursday has been contained overnight, as warnings remain in place in the area.

The Country Fire Service said the fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon, was contained to 143 hectares overnight as crews continued to respond.

A CFS spokeswoman said crews were continuing to work to suppress the fire burning at the town’s dump.

A warning remained in place for potentially hazardous smoke caused by the fire at the facility, with the CFS advising residents to keep their windows and doors shut.

Cooler weather conditions forecast for Friday meant the fire danger risk was moderate to high, the spokeswoman said.

Fire cause investigators and damage assessment teams were expected in Port Lincoln on Friday to begin determining what sparked the blaze.

On Thursday, the Country Fire Service confirmed that “several properties” were lost in the Port Lincoln bushfire.

However, they said they were unable to specify the number or types of properties at that stage but the fire had affected “several industrial structures including a waste management facility”.

Bushfire burning out of control at Port Lincoln, South Australia. Picture: Robert Lang

A CFS spokeswoman said they estimated two commercial structures and “some residential properties” may have been affected.

They said there were no current reports of injuries on Thursday night after the emergency bushfire warning was downgraded to an advice message.

More than 80 CFS firefighters and 14 MFS firefighters battled to contain the blaze at its height.

Ground crews were supported by eight aircraft and other emergency services.

An incident update issued just before 6pm warned the community of “thick, potentially hazardous smoke” that was drifting across the area.

CFS deputy state controller Brenton Hastie said the smoke from the fire was of concern to authorities and residents were advised to remain inside and close all windows and doors.

“The dump (is producing) very thick smoke which sort of obscures visibility,” Mr Hastie said.

The latest alert was issued by the Country Fire Service at 3.59pm for Western Approach Rd, Pinefreezers Rd and Blue Fin Rd.

Just before 4pm on Thursday, Mr Hastie told the ABC conditions were starting to moderate as a wind change came through the area, decreasing fire behaviour.

“The wind change has been quite slow and gentle and has already decreased the temperatures and increased relative humidity,” he said.

Mr Hastie confirmed the Port Lincoln dump had caught alight, with warnings the change in wind direction could push toxic smoke across the town.

Port Lincoln mayor Diana Mislov said on Thursday that the “resilient community” was doing its best to remain positive.

“There will definitely be families and businesses impacted by this … the exact nature of the losses won’t be determined until there’s a site assessment,” she said

The community was invited to attend the Curtain Point Bowling club on Thursday night to receive local support.

“This is quite a triggering event for many of our residents who have been impacted by fires in the past,” Ms Mislov said.

“We’re very conscious of the mental health and the trauma that this could put them through.”

Port Lincoln resident Emma Starr said she had been anxiously watching the fire burn from the backyard of her house.

“If it was blowing in a northerly direction it would be a direct threat to the whole city and of course myself,” she said on Thursday.

“I’ll be heading towards the water if that happens.”

She said conditions remained “gusty and wayward” and had received two text alerts from emergency services.

“To be told you are in immediate danger is quite frightening,” she said.

“I would say it is still a threat to homes and wildlife, but that’s just from me, a concerned citizen.”

An out-of-control bushfire is burning near Port Lincoln, prompting an emergency warning. Picture: Megan Damon

School evacuated, RSL providing shelter

Lincoln Gardens Primary School, located within the emergency warning zone, was evacuated while the Port Lincoln Returned and Services League was offering shelter for people seeking respite from the fires.

“The RSL will remain open for you to come and shelter. Our facilities are available to those in need,” a social media post read.

“Tea, coffee, cold drinks, toilets and TV all available for your comfort during this emergency.

“Free wifi so you can keep in contact.”

The Port Lincoln council also activated a “care and comfort zone” at the Kirton Point Bowling Club.

A number of local businesses were forced to close their doors amid the blaze, including Domino’s, the Pier Hotel and Regal Chickens.

The Great Northern Hotel closed its bistro for dinner but its bar, gaming room and bottle shop will remain open for those seeking shelter.

Matt Morgan, chief executive officer of the Port Lincoln Council, told the ABC the community was remaining calm and adhering to their bushfire survival plans.

There were grave concerns for horses at the Port Lincoln Racecourse with staff preparing to fight the blaze.

RSPCA spokeswoman Caroline Jones told the ABC that five cats and one dog had been evacuated from its Port Lincoln shelter and taken to foster carers.

An out-of-control bushfire is burning near Port Lincoln, prompting an emergency warning. Picture: Mirelle Schiava

Pooginagoric blaze downgraded

A a fire at Pooginagoric in the Upper South-East was downgraded to advice level.

The alert applies to Stott Rd near Bordertown.

The stubble fire was contained just after 2pm.

A fire warning previously activated in Farrell Flat near the state’s Clare Valley region has been reduced.

The watch-and-act message was downgraded to an advice message by the Country Fire Service at 1pm for Four Trees Rd and surrounding areas.

The authority said this fire is causing smoke to drift in the Swamp Road, Farrell Flat Road, Martin Road and Farrell Township areas.

Fire bans as heatwave hits

Total fire bans were declared for the Eastern Eyre Peninsula and Mount Lofty Ranges as South Australia was set to swelter through extreme summer conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised fresh to north east to north westerly winds alongside hot and dry conditions have lead to the elevated fire danger.

Senior forecaster Mark Analak said the metropolitan area recorded its warmest overnight temperatures in a month.

Adelaide and Mount Gambier were set to reach temperatures in the high 30s, while further north Port Augusta has a forecasted top of 42C.

Towards the west, Port Lincoln was tipped to reach a high of 37C with 33C expected in Ceduna.

The fire bans were in place for the entirety of February 16 and the Country Fire Service recommended residents action personal bushfire survival plans.

A wind change was expected to move across the state later today, prompting more mild conditions into the weekend.

The Bureau advised there is a chance of high based showers and thunderstorms with the risk of dry lightning over far northwestern parts and along southeast coastal parts.

Suspicious blaze at Ceduna

Meanwhile, the Eyre Hwy is down to one lane after a truck caught on fire near Ceduna in the early hours of Thursday morning.

About 4.30am, emergency services responded to the reports about 25km west of Ceduna.

Upon arrival, crews found a B-double set of trailers fully alight.

The prime mover was disconnected from the trailers and there are no reports of any injuries.

However, the fire spread to nearby scrub on both sides of the road.

The Country Fire Service issued an Advice Message asking the public to monitor conditions but have since contained the blaze.

The Eyre Highway was blocked in both directions but one lane has since been reopened to allow traffic to pass through. Heavy delays are still expected.

A large amount of smoke is affecting visibility in the area and motorists passing through are advised to keep all windows closed and set their air conditioners to recirculate.

The public is asked to avoid the area if possible. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.