Late last night, a grass and scrub fire established itself near Pawawa in the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, with fire crews battling it overnight.
Over 40 CFS vehicles attended the fire, as a severe weather warning and strong winds hit South Australia.
The fire continues to burn in a pine plantation, road side vegetation, scrub and creek line vegetation, with approximately 120 firefighters are on scene and experiencing challenging conditions.
The fire is approximately 200 hectares in size and travelling slowly along vegetation lines in a southerly direction, in difficult terrain, and being driven by strong, erratic winds.
CFS, DEW and SA Forestry crews are fighting the fire that is burning both within the Waitpinga Conservation Park and areas to the south, near Tunkallila Road, Illawong Road and Rymill Road.
Northerly wind gusts of up to 70 km/h are being experienced on the fireground with an expected weather change shifting winds to the WNW at 5pm this afternoon.
A severe weather warning has been issued for conditions preceeding the change, with wind gusts of up to 100 km/h predicted.
Following the change residents in the Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor and Middleton areas may begin to smell and see smoke from this fire. Residents with respiratory issues are encouraged to close windows and doors, and stay inside, prior to the change arriving.
Currently no buildings or assets are under threat, with firefighters successfully defending a hut on the fireground this morning.
Roads have been closed due to this incident. A full list of current road closures is available here.
Smoke will be visible in the area.
For updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the 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 the other Emergency Broadcast Partners.
Do not rely on a single source for warning information.
For emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
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