Cudlee Creek CFS Newsletter 4

South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) Community Newsletter

Thursday 26 December 2019 – 12:00 noon

What is happening now?

Fire crews are working to build and maintain control lines on the southern edges of the fire ground by searching for, and extinguishing, hots spots with Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC). The southern edge is a priority for operations ahead of expected increasing northerly winds later in the week.

Fire crews will continue to respond to calls for help, or flare ups, within and around the fire ground.

Crews have been establishing mineral earth breaks between Tungkillo and Mt Torrens as a strategic activity ahead of the forecast weather changes.

Today approximately 150 firefighters and 31 fire vehicles will be operating across the fire ground. There are also seven aircraft available to work, including the Ericson Skycrane and four water bombing aircraft.

The fire ground is approximately 23,295ha in size and has an estimated fire perimeter of 184km. Crews will be strategically placed across the fire ground in the coming days.

Support agencies are also working to assess damage and clear roads to allow people back into their properties when safe to do so.

There is a significant police presence on the fire ground with additional patrols active.

What conditions are expected?

Weather conditions will remain warm with low to moderate winds throughout today before temperatures and winds start to increase around the middle of Friday.

Total Fire Ban conditions are forecast to return by Friday. Saturday will be very hot and windy with thunderstorms. Temperatures will continue to increase up until New Year’s Eve with a change due on Monday with strong winds and lightning forecast.

There are still large trees and lots of unburnt vegetation within the fire ground. Any localised winds along with the forecast weather will increase the chances of fire outbreaks. Everyone needs to remain vigilant.

What we are doing?

Crews will continue to work on areas of active fire supported by aircraft. Patrolling and mopping up will be a priority over the coming days. Hot spots are likely to flare up when the dangerous fire weather returns later in the week.

What roads are open?

All roads within the fire-affected areas are now open.

Drivers are advised to use extreme caution as there may be stock wandering across roads due to damaged fences and visibility may be reduced. Speed restrictions will likely be in place in some areas. Landowners are asked to secure stock.

The community are asked that unless you live in a fire-affected location to avoid driving in the area to allow emergency services and support agencies to do their work safely and efficiently.

Refer to Traffic SA for the latest information.

What you can do

We are asking all community members to remain vigilant, if you see unattended fire to phone 000 (triple zero). Due to wind activity embers may continue to fall on your property.

Stay out of fire-affected areas, especially areas with trees that have a risk of falling or dropping limbs.

There may be a presence of smoke in the area for some time, close all windows and doors to minimise exposure especially those with respiratory conditions, the young, elderly or ill.

If your property has been affected by fire please continue to monitor the burnt ground over the coming days and ensure that any flare ups or smoking areas are reported via 000 (triple zero).

Be alert for dangers on the fire ground especially falling trees, burnt unstable ground and fallen power lines. Ensure you are wearing protective clothing when on fire-affected areas.

Where you can go

Emergency Relief Centres have been established at the following locations;

* Turramurra Recreation Centre, 1000 Lower North East Road, Highbury. Closed on Boxing Day (26 December 2019), open 7:00 am to 10.00 pm Friday onwards

* Mount Barker High School, 2 Wellington Road, Mount Barker. Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Boxing Day (26 December 2019), open 7:00 am to 10.00 pm Friday onwards.