Property destroyed on Kangaroo Island as firefighters and water bombers battle blazes at Emu Flat near Clare, Middle River, and Bletchley
A PROPERTY has been destroyed by a bushfire on Kangaroo Island while the township of Clare was threatened by a fast moving grassfire. The fire is largely contained, but the CFS warns further breakouts are possible.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A BUSHFIRE is burning towards the township of Clare after beginning in Emu Flat last week. The fire is largely contained, but the CFS warns further breakouts are possible.
In another fire on Kangaroo Island a property was destroyed and at least 75ha of grassland was destroyed.
The scrub fire at Emu Flat is burning in an east south easterly direction towards Neagles Rock Rd, Horrocks Hwy and the Clare township.
A Country Fire Service spokesman said firefighters were actively defending at least one house which was in the direct path of the blaze.
“There is quite a bit of hilly ground between where it is and the Clare township, and scrub, which makes it problematic for us to tackle,” the spokesman said.
The CFS says the breakout has been largely contained, but weather conditions “may still lead to further breakouts in the coming hours”.
“The public is asked to continue to follow their Bushfire Survival Plans.”
The CFS had warned the “serious bushfire” posed a danger to anyone in the area. The town siren was activated to warn residents of the blaze.
“There is a risk to your life and property,” the CFS warned.
“Act now. Only leave if the path is clear to a safer place. If you can’t leave, take shelter in a solid building and actively defend it.
“Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan. If you don’t have a plan, take shelter in a solid building before the fire arrives as heat from the fire can kill you well before the flames reach you.”
The fire, which began last week, had been contained after it destroyed a shed. Two water bombers and 33 trucks are tackling the blaze. The bombers made 12 drops to contain the fire.
Wind gusts of up to 48km/h have been recorded in the area, fanning the fires.
The CFS are also fighting fires on Kangaroo Island and near Strathalbyn.
A CFS spokesman said two blazes about 200m apart had been burning in stubble near
A separate blaze on Kangaroo Island, at Middle River, has so far burnt 75 ha. Two water bombers are fighting the blaze which began at the Enchanted Fig Tree restaurant and is now burning in scrub.
The fire is being burning in a south easterly direction towards North Coast Road, travelling as far as the beach before the wind changed direction, pushing the fire north.
The CFS has issued Watch and Act messages for the KI fire, warning the fire may threaten your safety and the conditions are continually changing.
“Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan. If you are not prepared, leave now. Only leave if the path is clear to a safer place,” the CFS has warned.
Bletchley, east of Strathalbyn. The fires have since been contained.
He said the cause and size of the blazes were not yet known.
Total fire bans have been declared in the Mid North and Mount Lofty Ranges for Friday as temperatures remain in the high 30Cs.