SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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SAMPSON FLAT FIRE - Road closure and hazard update

05/01/2015

Access to the Sampson Flat fire ground in the Adelaide Hills is still restricted however the CFS in cooperation with SAPOL and SES will continue to work through the night as a priority to assess and open where possible strategic roads for residents only to get to their properties.

At approximately 9pm this evening the Kersbrook Road between One Tree Hill and Kersbrook was re-opened to residents only with valid ID required.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) appreciates that residents living in the affected areas are anxious to return to their homes and properties, but unless these areas are fully assessed their safety in entering certain areas cannot be guaranteed at this time. Road blocks exist for your safety and are monitored by the police who have the right to enforce the closure.

CFS also advises residents either already in, or returning to, their properties to be aware of the following dangers. The fire ground and immediate proximity is presenting numerous hazards including falling trees, fallen power lines, thick swirling smoke and escaped stock and wild life crossing roads making driving conditions dangerous. There have been two reported incidents of falling limbs causing damage to a CFS appliance and an injury to a CFS Volunteer fire fighter. Even after the fire has passed remain vigilant at all times when on the fire ground. Be aware of the danger of weakened and smouldering structures.

It is also critical that non-resident members of the public stay well clear of the fire ground and enable unimpeded access for emergency service vehicles to do their job.

There is every possibility of continued heavy smoke drift throughout the night as pockets of unburnt vegetation ignite within the fire ground and are blown by the South East wind in a North West direction over some of the North and North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide. If people have respiratory or cardiac medical conditions they are advised to shut their windows and remain indoors until it has passed.

The Red Cross have established their "Register. Find. Reunite." program and all details can be found at https://register.redcross.org.au/

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

Government of South Australia