CFS tells Joanna residents to stay vigilant as bushfire continues to burn and cause smoke

A grassfire that flared up on Wednesday has prompted the CFS to send a new warning to locals, as crews work to completely put it out.

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Residents in a town in the state’s South-East have been warned to stay vigilant, after a grass fire erupted up on Wednesday afternoon.

The CFS had issued a ‘Monitor Conditions’ just before 9pm on Wednesday for Joanna, 15 kilometres south of Naracoorte, after previously raising alarms and sending locals a ‘Watch and Act – Leave Now’ message.

The blaze is expected to continue burning in heavy scrub over the coming days and is still causing a lot of smoke in the area, however, CFS crews have stopped it from spreading.

Naracoorte Caves National Park is located in Joanna, and was at the centre of grave concerns for the area.

Firefighting crews and additional aircraft are currently working to reduce the risk of the fire breaking containment lines, ahead of the upcoming fire danger weather.

The expected weather conditions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will bring more winds, with CFS urging anyone in the area to stay informed, use their bushfire survival plan when necessary and keep their windows and doors closed.

Motorists are also being urged to keep their windows closed, headlights on and drive through the conditions in a safe manner.

Originally published as CFS tells Joanna residents to stay vigilant as bushfire continues to burn and cause smoke