Deep Creek fire Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bushfire investigators attended the scene. Due to the conditions and the nature of the fire, they were unable to determine the exact cause.

 

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

 

SA Police Rapid Damage Assessment teams are working in the area. If your property has been impacted, they will contact owners when it is safe and practical to do so.

 

Please follow current warnings and advice on the CFS website and Alert SA. Returning too early can be dangerous due to fire activity, smoke, damaged trees, and limited access.

 

Road closure updates are available at traffic.sa.gov.au.

 

Fire conditions can change quickly. CFS shares warnings and public information as soon as it is confirmed and safe to do so.

 

If you are in or near the risk area, please continue to monitor the CFS website and Alert SA for the latest updates.

 

Road closures and traffic conditions are listed on traffic.sa.gov.au

 

Assessments will continue over the coming days as conditions allow to ensure we can open roads as safely as possible.

 

Some areas may remain affected by fire activity, smoke and road closures. Before travelling, please check the latest warning for the Deep Creek fire and check traffic.sa.gov.au.

 

If your travel is not essential, consider delaying your trip. Emergency services and police may restrict access to some locations at short notice.

 

We are very grateful for the community’s offers of support. At this stage, firefighters do not require additional food or donated goods.

 

The support from Yankalilla and surrounding communities has been outstanding, and we sincerely thank everyone who is standing behind firefighters and emergency service personnel working in difficult conditions.

 

The Salvation Army is established at the Yankalilla staging site and is providing food and refreshments to crews. We thank them for their continued support.

 

If you would like to support firefighters and their families, donations to the CFS Foundation are appreciated. The Foundation assists volunteers and families in need.

 

Authorities continue to assess the needs of people impacted by the fire. If donated goods are required, a formal appeal will be made.

 

If you see injured wildlife impacted by the fire, contact SAVEM on 0477 055 233 or email info@savem.org.au.

 

The Deep Creek fire is affecting local individuals, families and the wider community in many ways.

 

If you have been impacted and would like support, you can register for a wellbeing call back from the Australian Red Cross by completing the SA Deep Creek Fires – Register for Wellbeing Support form.

 

Large fires can require extra crews and specialist capabilities. Fire and emergency services across Australia work together to support each other when needed.

Assisting agencies include:

Backburning is a planned and well-established firefighting technique used to reduce fuel and slow the spread of fire.

 

These operations are used to help strengthen control lines, reduce the risk of embers starting new fires, and support safer conditions for crews.

 

Aerial and ground crews may be used to support backburning operations, including monitoring conditions and ensuring work is carried out safely.

 

Thank you to our Farm Fire Unit community for your ongoing support.

 

To register your Farm Fire Unit or to learn how you may be able to assist, please visit the Farm Fire Units section on the CFS website.

 

Aircraft may drop water or firefighting products to slow the spread of the fire and support crews on the ground.

 

The products used are biodegradable, mixed at low concentrations and are not harmful to people or animals. They do not pose health risks.

 

If the product gets into the rainwater supply, you might notice a change in the water's taste.

 

If your home has been covered and roof run-off has entered your rainwater tank, drain and flush the gutters, empty and rinse the tank, then refill it with fresh water.

 

More detailed information is available on the CFS website.

 

Firefighters have worked hard to protect important habitat for the nationally endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-Wren and the Beautiful Firetail.

 

Several native orchid species also grow in the area, including the critically endangered Fleurieu Leek-orchid.

 

In some locations, heavy machinery was deliberately not used. This helped reduce ground disturbance and better protect these sensitive plants, animals and their habitat.

 

The support shown by local communities throughout the Deep Creek response has been a real source of encouragement for crews during long and demanding days.

 

Thoughtful gestures, including hand-drawn messages and artwork from local students, have brought smiles and given firefighters a welcome boost as they head to and from the fireground.

 

These acts of kindness from schools, residents and local businesses show the strong connection between firefighters and the communities they are working to protect.

 

The South Australian Country Fire Service sincerely thanks everyone who has taken the time to show support. Your care, patience and understanding are deeply appreciated.

 

Fire conditions can change quickly, especially during the fire season.

 

Weather such as wind, temperature and humidity can influence fire behaviour, smoke and firefighting operations.

 

Even when a fire is contained, we may still see flare-ups or increased smoke as conditions change.

 

Firefighters will continue working to strengthen control lines, patrol the area and put out hotspots.

 

People in and near the area should stay informed and follow advice from emergency services.