The latest update was issued at 14:12pm on January 19.
A fast-moving, uncontrolled grass and scrub fire burning near Tooperang in the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula has been downgraded from a Watch and Act warning, to a Stay Informed alert, because at this time there is no threat to life or property.
The fire is over 650 Hectares and has impacted the area between Nangkita Road and Cleland Gully Road, including structures and farm sheds. The warning area is within the area of Nankita Road, Cleland Gully Road, Stones Ford Road, Heifer Road and Through Road near Tooperang and Nangkita, ten kilometers east of Mount Compass in the Felurieu Peninsula.
More than 120 CFS volunteer firefighters and 25 trucks are working on the fireground to contain the fire. Aircraft continue to support ground crews, with around 140 aerial drops totalling approximately 300,000 litres to date. Additional support is being provided by SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, Forestry SA, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, the Department for Environment and Water, Farm Fire Units, private contractors and the Salvation Army.
Crews are working hard to contain the fire after the wind change, mopping up and patrolling the fire edge. Back burning will be conducted over the next few hours to strengthen containment lines and a large amount of smoke will be visible throughout the afternoon.
Numerous properties have been saved during firefighting efforts; however, three structures have been confirmed lost. There are also impacts to vineyards, farmland and vegetation, with likely livestock losses.
Crews are working to protect assets and slow the spread, with a focus on Waterfall Drive, Cleland Gully Road and Nangkita Road, and on preventing further spread into dense scrub
The fire is currently burning in a south-south-westerly direction from Nankita Road towards Cleland Gully Road and Through Road near Tooperang and Nangkita, 10 kilometers east of Mount Compass. Conditions are continually changing.
Nangkita Road and Cleland Gully Road remain closed, and emergency services are advising motorists to avoid the area entirely unless travel is essential.
Residents in Tooperang, Nangkita, Mount Jagged and Mosquito Hill are urged to take the Watch and Act warning seriously and prepare to leave if conditions worsen. Authorities warn that smoke, reduced visibility and emergency activity make the area unsafe.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and fire investigators will attend the scene once it is safe to do so.
For the latest updates, residents are advised to monitor official warnings via the CFS website or contact the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
Stay informed
- CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au
- 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 then ask for 1800 362 361
- CFS on Facebook or X
- Alert SA Mobile App
- On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of the other Emergency Broadcast Partners
- For emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
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