CFS crews monitor Eyre Peninsula fire
20/11/2012
Country Fire Service (CFS) crews will continue to monitor a major bushfire overnight which came within six kilometres west of Port Lincoln on Eyre Peninsula today.
The fire was first reported at 10.50am at Mungerowie Scrub and has burnt more than 1,200 hectares.
CFS State Coordinator Brenton Eden has praised the efforts of more than 180 firefighters including Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) crews.
"This commitment represents about 10% of all firefighting personnel in the region," Mr Eden said.
"In addition to that, there are 30 fire appliances committed, representing 40% of all CFS fire trucks in the region."
Five fixed-wing water bombing aircraft were also used to assist CFS crews and will resume water bombing at first light tomorrow morning.
A series of lightning strikes during the afternoon also caused between 90 to 100 fires across the State.
"In total, we had about 650 firefighters and 120 appliances deployed in various incidents across the State," Mr Eden said.
"The skill and experience of everyone involved in today's incidents deserves high praise for their efforts," he said.
"This includes the support of other agencies including MFS, SES, SAPOL and DEWNR.
"This effectively has resulted in no major losses of property or serious injuries."
Mr Eden said that smoke from the Port Lincoln fires has drifted over the gulf towards Adelaide and members of the public should not be concerned but advises anyone with respiratory problems to stay indoors and close all doors and windows until the smoke has passed.
Today's fires caused a surge in the number of Triple Zero calls.
The CFS advised callers to only dial Triple Zero to report a fire or smoke and for all other inquiries to contact the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.
For more information on incidents visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au
