Katarapko Island Fire
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has spent the last 4 days with continued response working to contain multiple fires burning on Katarapko Island, approximately 11km south-west of Berri in the Riverland.
Since starting on Thursday 29 January 2026, crews supported by an incident management team have run round the clock operations to coordinate the response to this fire which has burnt approximately 293 hectares in hard to access terrain on the island.
CFS, SA Metropolitan Fire Service and Department for Environment and Water firefighters, supported by aircraft including fire bombers and observational aircraft, remain on scene working to extinguish the fires. The use of aircraft has significantly contributed to limiting the fires spread due to the hard to access location for ground crews.
Crews are also being assisted by SA Police, SA SES and SA Water.
These fires do not currently pose a risk to the community however, smoke may be visible from surrounding areas. People in the area are encouraged to stay informed at cfs.sa.gov.au.
The cause of the fire has been investigated and is now with SA Police.
Access to the Murray River National Park-Katarapko Section remains limited. Visitors should check parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts/murray-river-national-park-katarapko-section for the latest information on closures and restrictions.
Whilst emergency services remain working in the area, houseboats and recreational watercraft are advised to stay away to help keep everyone safe and allow
emergency crews to work without interruption.
This remains 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.
