Message ID: 0005430
Time Message Issued: 18:21
Date Message Issued: 03/02/2021
Origin / Name: WESTERN RIVER
Incident Update
ISSUED FOR WESTERN RIVER
Country Fire Service crews on Kangaroo Island are continuing their effort to contain a grass and scrub fire near De Mole River, 40kms west of Parndana.
The fire started on Investigator Way at around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, and burnt in a North Westerly direction to the coast through an area known locally as Covenys Gully, just East of Cape Forbin.
Whilst the fire is expected to burn for a number of days, crews have been working hard today in very challenging terrain to halt the forward rate of spread. Crews have managed to successfully complete back burns on the south and western flanks of the fire and are currently in the process of completing a backburn on the eastern flank.
Crews will continue to monitor the fire overnight and further resources will be in position tomorrow morning ahead of the forecast erratic winds.
This fire will continue to produce large volumes of smoke from the pockets of unburnt scrub in the middle of the fire area.
Particular concerns around this fire relate to the potential ecological impacts. The fire is burning in one of the few remaining key habitats for the critically endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo and KI Dunnart, after much of their habitat was burnt out in last Summer's fire. The CFS is liaising closely with ecologists from the Department for Environment and Water to identify how to best control the spread of fire in this area with a view to protecting as much of the habitat as possible.
Whilst the fire currently poses little threat to life and property, warning messages do remain in place and residents are advised to remain vigilant, continue checking for information and to follow their bushfire survival plan.
An observation helicopter from the mainland has confirmed the fire is over 260ha in size
and has map the fire to provide better clarity to crews on the ground.
No roads have been closed around this incident, however this may change at short notice. Continue to monitor www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety/road-closures.
Despite this, to ensure your safety, that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary. Hazards may include reduced visibility due to smoke, fallen trees blocking roads and emergency vehicles operating in the area.
For updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
This message will be updated as the situation changes or before: 04/02/2021 10:00
WHAT TO DO:
- Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan
- Decide what you will do if the situation changes
- Look and listen for information on television, radio, internet, mobile phones and by speaking with neighbours
KEEP UP TO DATE:
- CFS website : cfs.sa.gov.au
- Bushfire 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
- CFS on Facebook or Twitter
- On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast Partners.
Do not rely on a single source for warning information.
For emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
End of Message
