SA Police investigates series of deliberately lit fires near Gawler

Authorities are on the hunt for a suspected arsonist believed to be responsible for eight fires near Gawler.

Authorities are on the hunt for a suspected arsonists believed to be responsible for eight fires at Kudla.

Around 8.30pm on March 14, emergency services responded to two grass fires near the Gawler train line on MacAlister Rd.

Approximately 30 minutes later, six additional fires were located in a dry creek bed at the western end of Gordon Rd, between the train line and Main North Rd — around two kilometres from the site of the first two fires.

Police are searching for a suspected arsonist after emergency services responded to eight fires at Kudla. Picture: SA Police

The fires are believed to be deliberately lit and linked. Picture: SA Police

Authorities are appealing to witnesses or members of the public with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers. Picture: SA Police

It is alleged the fires were deliberately lit and are connected.

Police are appealing to members of the public with CCTV and witnesses to report suspicious activity in the area. Motorists with dashcam footage travelling in the area are also encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It comes as the Country Fire Service has issued warning messages for two fires in the state’s far north.

An alert was activated for the Wanarkul and Ulapa Homeland and Gunbarrel Hwy at Amata on Wednesday evening.

Warning zone in Amata. Picture: Country Fire Service

There is currently no threat to life or property in the APY Lands area, but residents are advised to monitor local conditions.

Meanwhile, a large grass fire is burning in steep and inaccessible terrain around 6km east of Pukatja in the vicinity of the Umpakanta Homeland.

The latest update indicates the affected area is approximately 900 hectares and is expected to burn over multiple days in various directions.

It is understood the Ernabella community has sufficient fire breaks to prevent the bushfire from impacting any infrastructure, but locals are advised to remain vigilant.