CFS Media Release Issued 17 Jan 17:35

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BUNDALEER NORTH FIRE MAY THREATEN HOMESTEADS

17/01/2013

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) expects it could be as late as Saturday before it contains a fire in the Bundaleer Forest in the South Australia's Mid North.

The fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction towards RM Williams Way also known as Spalding Road, towards the following homesteads in the area - Woodleigh, Coondowie and Lower Springs Flat.

A wind change is expected around midnight tonight when the fire is expected to move in a north-easterly direction away from any properties.

The fire began late yesterday afternoon and brought under control several hours later but flared up overnight and has since burnt more than 2,300 hectares of forest and scrubland.

There are currently 200 firefighters, with 50 tankers supported by 50 farm fire units attempting to control the fire on the ground and three fixed-winged water bombers from the air.

In addition to existing resources, another six strike teams comprising 30 tankers and six command vehicles have also been deployed to the fire.

CFS State Coordinator, Mark Thomason, said firefighters are working on establishing control lines ahead of a forecast wind change expected late this evening.

"The expected wind change will potentially push the fire in a north-easterly direction towards some farming communities which is of concern," Mr Thomason said.

"The fire will be burning in very difficult terrain that will be inaccessible to our crews which will make efforts to contain its spread more difficult."

People in the area are reminded that smoke may create hazardous conditions and reduce visibility on roads.

For further information visit the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au.

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MEDIA RELEASE
*<Message Starts>* BUNDALEER NORTH FIRE MAY THREATEN HOMESTEADS 17/01/2013 The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) expects it could be as late as Saturday before it contains a fire in the Bundaleer Forest in the South Australia's Mid North. The fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction towards RM Williams Way also known as Spalding Road, towards the following homesteads in the area - Woodleigh, Coondowie and Lower Springs Flat. A wind change is expected around midnight tonight when the fire is expected to move in a north-easterly direction away from any properties. The fire began late yesterday afternoon and brought under control several hours later but flared up overnight and has since burnt more than 2,300 hectares of forest and scrubland. There are currently 200 firefighters, with 50 tankers supported by 50 farm fire units attempting to control the fire on the ground and three fixed-winged water bombers from the air. In addition to existing resources, another six strike teams comprising 30 tankers and six command vehicles have also been deployed to the fire. CFS State Coordinator, Mark Thomason, said firefighters are working on establishing control lines ahead of a forecast wind change expected late this evening. "The expected wind change will potentially push the fire in a north-easterly direction towards some farming communities which is of concern," Mr Thomason said. "The fire will be burning in very difficult terrain that will be inaccessible to our crews which will make efforts to contain its spread more difficult." People in the area are reminded that smoke may create hazardous conditions and reduce visibility on roads. For further information visit the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au. *<Message Ends>*
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