UPDATE: 10am
200 CFS firefighters on 40 trucks have halted the forward rate of spread with support of heavy machinery overnight and aircraft which responded to the fire at first light. This quick work from crews saved nearby homes.
Firefighters, supported by aircraft, farm fire units, SA Police, SA Ambulance Service and heavy machinery, will remain on scene today working to contain the fire which continues to burn in heavy vegetation alongside the creek. Whilst some rain has fallen over the fireground, there remains a large amount of work to be done by firefighters to contain this fire and extra precautions are being taken given the continued elevated fire weather and wind change expected over the area into the morning.
Given the nature of the thick and moist vegetation this fire is currently producing a lot of smoke between Strathalbyn Road and Bugle Range Road.
Road closures are currently in place on the following roads:
– Strathalbyn Road, between Flaxley Road and Walker Street
– Bugle Range Road, between Stamps Road and Vernon Street
– Kingrose Street, between Strathalbyn Road and Bugle Range Road.
It is currently unknown when these roads will reopen and the situation may continue to change at short notice. Continue to monitor road closures at: traffic.sa.gov.au
Emergency services may be working on and around other roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
The fire cause is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators will be attending once it is safe to do so.
This is an active fireground and where possible the community is encouraged to stay away. This includes the use of drones which can be extremely dangerous to aviation operations.
UPDATE: 6:18am – PREPARE TO LEAVE
Prepare to leave. Take action now as this bushfire may threaten your safety. Check that the path is clear and go to a safer place. Do not enter this area as conditions are dangerous.
The Macclesfield bushfire is uncontrolled. This grass fire is burning in a south-easterly direction towards the outer township of Macclesfield in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Conditions are continually changing.
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A bushfire emergency has unfolded at Macclesfield in the Mount Lofty Ranges overnight, with authorities issuing a Watch and Act warning as crews battle an uncontrolled grass and scrub fire on Tuesday morning.
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) responded to reports of a grass fire near Lisa Court at Macclesfield. The latest updates issued between 3am and 4am shared that the fire is currently burning in heavy vegetation along a creek line between Strathalbyn Road and Bugle Range Road and is producing significant smoke.
These updates say around 80 CFS volunteers on 20 trucks are on scene, undertaking asset protection and working to prevent the fire from spreading towards nearby homes. The blaze is moving in a south-easterly direction towards the outer township of Macclesfield, with authorities warning that conditions are continually changing.
A Watch and Act alert was issued at 2:09am for areas including Venables Street, Lisa Court, Wait Court, Leedham Court, Kingrose Street, Parin Street and Vernon Street. Residents in the warning area are being urged to prepare to leave now, as the bushfire may threaten their safety.
The CFS has advised that people should not enter the area, as conditions are dangerous and emergency operations may impact roads. Smoke is expected to reduce visibility, and access may change at short notice.
Authorities warn that homes are not built to withstand extreme fire conditions, although they may provide short-term shelter from radiant heat. Residents are reminded they may lose power, water, phone and data connections and should not expect firefighters to be stationed at every property.
People in the affected area are being urged to activate their Bushfire Survival Plan, put on protective clothing and inform family or friends of their intended plans. Those preparing to leave should check on neighbours, secure pets, and move flammable items such as outdoor furniture, doormats and wheelie bins away from homes. Doors and windows should be closed to keep smoke out, and sprinklers can be turned on to wet surrounding areas if available.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary. Emergency services may be operating on and around local roads, and drivers who must travel through nearby areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and drive to the conditions.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have also reminded members of the public that this is an active fireground and drones must not be used, as they pose a serious risk to firefighting aircraft.
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
Alert SA Mobile App
On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of the other Emergency Broadcast Partners
For emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
