South Australia Premier Steven Marshall announced the state of the Cherry Gardens fire has been downgraded but still poses a threat.
“I’m happy to report the Cherry Gardens fire in Adelaide Hills has been downgraded to ‘watch and act,’” Marshall said.
“But I’d like to emphasise that the Cherry Gardens fire is still uncontrolled.”
While no official cause of the fire has been announced, SA’s Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Vincent Tarzia referenced the arrested suspect who was caught driving away from the fires on Sunday. The Minister stressed this crime elicits a firm response.
“These sorts of acts are absolutely despicable. We condemn them,” he said.
“The penalties are very severe for this sort of thing.”
On Sunday, 250 firefighters worked overnight to suppress the fires, which have now burnt 2,500 hectares of land and 11 structures. The suppression strategy continues today, with 400 firefighters on ground and six firefighting air crafts overhead.
“It could have been a lot worse if it weren’t for the hard work of the crews on the ground,” CFS State Duty Commander Yvette Dowling said.
While dry conditions, high temperatures, and high fuel loads exacerbated the flames, this week’s rain and lessening winds will likely help to extinguish the fires and mitigate risks of spreading. However, residents are still encouraged to proceed with caution because the fires are ongoing.
“There’s going to be some sort of fire behaviour probably for the next week,” Dowling said.
Marshall encouraged viewers to download the Alert SA App to stay updated with Cherry Gardens fire South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission.
More to come.
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