Uncontrolled Yorke Peninsula bushfire downgraded

Residents of two Yorke Peninsula townships were told to “leave now” as an uncontrolled bushfire rages, but the threat has eased.

An uncontrolled bushfire has briefly triggered urgent alerts for residents in two Yorke Peninsula townships to leave.

The Country Fire Service alert applied to the Koolywurtie and Wauraltee townships on the west coast of Yorke Peninsula following a stubble fire burning in the area amid constantly changing conditions and expected wind changes.

The Prepare to Leave warning was issued at 6.36pm on Sunday.

“Take action now as this bushfire may threaten your safety,” it stated.

“Prepare to leave. Check that the path is clear and go to a safer place. Do not enter this area as conditions are dangerous.”

An uncontrolled bushfire has triggered urgent alerts for residents in two Yorke Peninsula townships to leave. Picture: Campbell Brodie/file

However by 7.10pm it was downgraded to a reminder for people to take care in the area due to smoke reducing visibility on roads and a risk of falling trees and branches.

The stubble fire in the Koolywurtie, Spencer Highway-Didlyamulka Rd area was burning in a north westerly direction towards Newbolds Rd and Bertrams Rd and there were concerns wind changes could move it towards Port Rickaby.

The earlier alert had noted residents who choose to stay may lose power, water, phone and data connections and that while fire crews were responding “you should not expect a firefighter at your door.”