CFS Update: Grass fire at Blackford, Lucindale, and Avenue Range

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is currently in attendance at a grass fire in the Blackford, Avenue Range and Lucindale areas of the Lower South East of South Australia. The fire currently has an Advice message active and, although the fire conditions have slowed, the fire is not yet contained.

The fire has burnt over 14,073 ha of grass with significant losses to fencing and livestock. The fire has impacted the communities of Avenue Range, Blackford and Lucindale with at least three structures confirmed lost or substantially damaged. Rapid Damage Assessment teams will be in the Blackford and Avenue Range and Lucindale areas checking structures in the fire affected areas.

CFS and Department of Environment and Water (DEW) have 40 fire trucks and 200 firefighters, supported by farm fire units, currently on the fire ground. The Victorian Country Fire Authority has sent resources to assist, including 4 fire trucks and a command vehicle. One Forty One Plantations is assisting with 2 fire trucks and 2 water tankers.

CFS fire bombers completed a total of 101 air drops yesterday in support of the firefighters. Aircraft have recommence flying today to provide information and help stop any outbreaks.

Department of Primary Industry SA (PIRSA) teams are on fire ground this morning assessing stock losses and helping locals with injured stock. Electranet and SAPN are inspection and repairing electrical infrastructure including one the interstate interconnectors. Please stay well away from any down power lines until Electranet and SAPN have completed repairs.

The South East drainage board have people inspecting the drains, bridges and crossing within the fire area.

SAPOL have roads closed in the area, please refer to the traffic.sa.gov.au for updates as these are changing with conditions. Currently the Avenue Range Road is closed between the Princes Hwy and Lucindale.

The Minnie Crowe Road is closed south of Old Coach Road and the Crower Road is closed between Konetta Road and Avenue to the general public. If you are driving through this area you should slow down and be aware of fallen trees, injured or deceased livestock and wildlife that may be on the roads.

If the general public see any outbreaks they should immediately contact 000.

For updates visit the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.

WHAT TO DO:

Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan
Decide what you will do if the situation changes
Look and listen for information on television, radio, internet, mobile phones and by speaking with neighbours

KEEP UP TO DATE:

CFS website : cfs.sa.gov.au
Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361
For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361
For teletype service TTY 133 677
CFS on Facebook or Twitter
On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast Partners.