SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Scrub fire burns in SA Conservation Park

3/05/2013

Over 100 SA Country Fire Service (CFS) and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) firefighters continue to battle a scrub fire burning in the Cox Conservation Park in the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges.

The uncontained fire is currently travelling in an easterly direction and has burnt through 350 hectares since it began just before 1pm this afternoon.

CFS Regional Prevention Officer Ray Jackson says the plan is to contain the northern flank ahead of anticipated wind change later this evening.

"Earlier today we experienced strong wind conditions, which caused unpredictable and dangerous fire behaviour" Mr Jackson said.

"Firefighting efforts have concentrated on the perimeter of the fire but due to the milder conditions being presented, we now have crews actually entering the Cox Conservation Park to attack the fire from within."

The westerly to south-westerly wind change will push the fire to the northern boundary of the park, allowing crews greater access.

The fire continues to impact on Bull Creek Road, which remains closed.

There have been no reports of any damage to assets.

A significant amount of smoke is being generated from the fire. A Bushfire Watch and Act Message remains current for this fire with local residents advised to activate their Bushfire Survival Plan.

For further updates, visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au or contact the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.

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Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia