Adelaide residents have been warned to brace for a severe heatwave coinciding with the long weekend, while firefighters grapple with an uncontrolled bushfire in Naracoorte, located in the Lower South East of South Australia.
The Country Fire Service (CFS) has escalated its warning to “Leave Now” for Naracoorte, emphasizing the immediate danger the bushfire poses to residents and their properties. The blaze, which remains uncontained, is advancing in an easterly direction toward Repeater Station Road, Martins Road, Valley View Road, and Wild Dog Valley Road. The CFS warns that the situation is volatile, with conditions that can change rapidly. Residents in the affected areas are urged to ensure their evacuation routes are clear and to seek safety without delay. For continuous updates, the CFS has directed individuals to its website or to contact the Information Hotline.
CFS volunteers on eight fire trucks and one Bulk Water Carrier are on scene and working to extinguish the fire and burning in a north-easterly direction away from the town centre. Ground crews are also being supported by three firebombing aircraft and two observational helicopters.
Roads have been closed due to this incident and it is unknown when they will be reopened. A full list of road closures is available at: traffic.sa.gov.au.
Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.
Simultaneously, Adelaide is on high alert as the city prepares for a sweltering heatwave. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning effective from March 6 through March 9, 2024, specifically targeting the Adelaide Metropolitan District. Current temperatures, already reaching 34 degrees Celsius, are expected to climb, hitting the mid to high thirties towards the weekend. The nights will offer little respite, with overnight minimums set to linger in the mid-twenties.
Thursday’s forecast anticipates a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, escalating to 37 degrees on Friday, and reaching a peak of 40 degrees on Saturday. The high temperatures are expected to persist, with Sunday and Monday forecasted to be at 37 and 38 degrees Celsius respectively.
The heatwave’s timing coincides with Adelaide’s cup long weekend, a period marked by popular outdoor events such as WOMADelaide and the Adelaide Fringe. Attendees of these events are advised to take extra precautions to stay cool and hydrated amidst the extreme temperatures. Public health officials recommend staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, wearing light clothing, and keeping well-hydrated as critical measures during this period.
The confluence of the severe heatwave and the uncontrolled bushfire underscores the broader challenges of climate and environmental management facing South Australia. Residents and authorities are on high alert, demonstrating vigilance in fire safety and heatwave preparedness. The coming days will be critical, both in terms of battling the bushfire in Naracoorte and managing the health impacts of the severe heatwave across Adelaide and surrounding areas.
| Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety. You may lose power, water, phone and data connections. Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door. What you should do Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan. Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing. Tell family or friends of your plans. If you are leaving Leave now, don’t delay. Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility. Secure your pets for travel. If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat. If you are not leaving – prepare to defend Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire. Bring pets inside and restrain them. Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house. Close doors and windows to keep smoke out. If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning. | ||
| Stay informed CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au Information Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000). |
More News
