Coomunga fire still burns near Port Lincoln
23/11/2012
Country Fire Service (CFS) crews worked diligently overnight to secure a control line around the entire perimeter of the Coomunga fire near Port Lincoln, as it continues to burn.
Close to 120 firefighters have resumed their efforts this morning in difficult terrain in the south-west section of the perimeter, with the support of 36 fire trucks, three graders and a stone roller, to prevent flare-ups from an expected north-westerly wind change.
CFS State Coordinator Mark Thomason has advised landholders to the south of the fire ground towards the Cobbler Hill area, to activate their Bushfire Survival Plans and move their livestock to a safe paddock with secure fencing and access to water.
"The influence of the north-westerly wind is of some concern to us, particularly for any farmers with livestock located within the southerly-end of the fire," Mark Thomason said.
"Being well prepared in advance is essential and we are asking farmers to move their livestock to a safe paddock as a precaution."
The CFS is continuing to rotate crews to prevent fatigue and provide opportunities to rest.
"Our firefighters and incident management team on the ground have been rotating throughout a 24-hour basis to monitor fire activity and maintain operations," Mr Thomason said.
"We have brought in personnel from other parts of the state to support local operations and give crews a chance to rest and are grateful to the employers of these crews who have been releasing volunteers to do this work," he said.
The CFS will also be hosting a community meeting at the Nautilus Theatre Tasman Terrace in Port Lincoln at 6pm tonight to discuss the Coomunga fire.
The public and media are welcome to attend the presentation by CFS Regional Commander Kevin May who will update the fire situation.
CFS Community Education Officers will also discuss how to be prepared and offer advice on Bushfire Survival Plans.
For updates on this incident, refer to the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au.
