SA Country Fire Service

Media release

<Message Starts>

CFS fights fire in Southern Flinders Ranges

24/11/2013

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is responding to a grass fire in the Southern Flinders Ranges near Melrose, approximately 70 kilometres north of Port Pirie, which has burnt through 350 hectares since igniting just before midday today.

15 CFS appliances supported by 30 Farm Fire Units are attending the fire which is burning in a northerly direction on the northern side of The Bridal Track, near Port Germaine Gorge Road and Survey Road.

Crews from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the State Emergency Service are also assisting, with Forestry SA bringing in a Bulk Water Carrier for additional support.

CFS Regional Duty Officer Sam Quigley says there are around 100 firefighters currently on the ground.

"The area of most concern at this stage is the north west and north east corner," Mr Quigley said.

"We have two firebombing aircraft operating on the fire to assist our ground crews to suppress the fire, and an air observation platform in place.

"We are looking to contain the fire as quickly as possible and prevent it spreading in to the Mount Remarkable National Park, which is approximately 8 kilometres from where the fire is currently burning."

No assets are under threat at this stage.

"Our challenge is that the fire is burning in some very steep terrain and so our crews are waiting in safe areas for the fire to come out so they can directly attack it."

Motorists on the Horrock's Highway are advised that smoke may be visible.

The cause unknown and is being investigated by SA Police.

<Message Ends>

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

Government of South Australia