SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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CHERRYVILLE BUSHFIRE BURNS OUT OF CONTROL IN SA

10/05/2013

120 SA Country Fire Service (CFS) and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) firefighters are battling a bushfire in Cherryville within the Adelaide Hills.

The fire, which is traveling in a south-westerly direction, destroyed a house and a shed on Blockers Road earlier this afternoon, and properties within this area are still at risk.

The fire has burnt over 500 hectares since it began at 2.20pm yesterday afternoon.

CFS Incident Controller Simon Henderson says firefighters are working in extremely challenging conditions.

"The fire is burning in dense scrub along very steep terrain, which is difficult particularly as visibility has significantly reduced since last light.

"There are strong gully winds causing erratic fire behaviour, and at this stage resources are concentrating in the western section along Raymond Road, Taylors Road and Marble Hill Road.

"In the southern section, we have resources in place along Blockers Road and Wyes Road continuing to undertake asset protection," Incident Controller Henderson said.

Terrain, vegetation and access is making it difficult for firefighters to undertake direct attack on the northern and western flanks of the fire.

"The fire along the eastern flank has burnt into the adjacent pine forest, but firefighters have been able to hold the fire on Mawson Road." Mr Henderson said.

"The northern edge of the fire is largely inaccessible due the hilly terrain and steep gullies."

An observation aircraft will undertake aerial surveillance at 0900 hours, and four bombers will be on stand-by.

"We will make further assessments in the morning as to the effectiveness of deploying aircraft, which will be dependent on conditions and visibility over the fire ground."

A community meeting will be held in Uraidla Hall at 12pm tomorrow to provide further updates on fire conditions.

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

Government of South Australia