Bushfire

Firefighters prepare for extreme conditions as 5000ha Wilmington scrub fire continues to burn

Firefighters are on high alert as a scrub fire near Wilmington threatens to spread due to worsening weather conditions. The blaze has already engulfed over 5000 hectares in Mount Remarkable National Park.

Firefighters, along with aerial support and farm fire units, are continuing to monitor a scrub fire near Wilmington, within the Mount Remarkable National Park, as heightened fire weather conditions pose an increased risk of spread. The area includes Melrose, Nectar Brook, and Mambray Creek.

As of today, approximately 5090 hectares have been affected by the blaze, which remains within the steep and challenging terrain of the national park’s boundaries. Over the past 24 hours, the situation has remained stable, with the fire’s perimeter more than 60kms. To fortify the control lines against today’s northerly winds, additional fire retardant has been strategically added to the southern boundary.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) advises the community south of the affected area to prepare by staying vigilant and maintaining updated through CFS communications. The ongoing efforts by ground crews and aerial operations have primarily kept the fire within the park, with minor extensions onto private property being promptly addressed either through natural extinguishment or active suppression.

Preparations made by the fire management teams have taken into account today’s elevated fire risk, through effective perimeter management and hotspot extinguishment. However, upcoming changes in wind direction anticipated this evening are expected to bring smoke to Wilmington and surrounding areas, prompting a health advisory for residents to take necessary precautions.

Wilmington residents may see a glow from the fire until it reaches the grasslands. Crews will be working on the fire until dark and patrol the area overnight however if you are concerned, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Currently, there is no direct threat to lives or property; however, the authorities urge continuous vigilance. The CFS encourages residents to remain informed about local conditions through their dedicated web page hosting both current updates and preparedness tips at cfs.sa.gov.au/wilmington-fire.

Mount Remarkable National Park will remain closed until further notice.

Stay Informed

For emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

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