Birchmore, Kangaroo Island fire reduced to ‘advice’ message as CFS battles grass blaze

Attention has now turned to the cause of a fire on Kangaroo Island that burned through 305ha of grass and scrub in dangerous conditions.

Smoke from the Birchmore Rd bushfire on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Rhett Gill

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Country Fire Service volunteers have gained the upper hand on a grass and scrub fire that burned through 305ha of land on Kangaroo Island on Monday.

The CFS downgraded the fire from a ‘Watch and Act’ to an ‘Advice’ warning just before 7pm.

About 60 CFS volunteers were expected to be on the fireground throughout Monday night blacking out the fire’s edge to prevent any further spread.

Attention has now turned to the cause of the fire, which is yet to be determined and is being investigated.

A Watch and Act was issued at the height of the fire about 4pm as the blaze moved east towards properties around Birchmore Rd, Beinke Way, Elesgood Rd and Hog Bay Rd.

Eighteen CFS units on the ground were supported by five aircraft to bring the flames under control.

The updated advice message said there was no longer a threat to life or property

“Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes,” it said.

Kangala Kangaroo and Wildlife Rescue, the charity that were instrumental in the rescue of missing dachshund Valerie, is located southwest of the fire.

Co-director and volunteer of the charity Jared Karran earlier said he was “gearing up” his fire action plan.

“We got some smoke coming our way,” he said.

“I think (CFS) will pull it up before it gets down here.

“But just obviously have to action our fire plans now and make sure everything’s in hand.”

Updates will be posted on the CFS website, or via the information hotline on 1800 362 361.