SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Coomunga fire fighting efforts to cause smoke

24/11/2012

Country Fire Service (CFS) crews are continuing to work diligently on the Coomunga fire near Port Lincoln which has been burning since Tuesday.

The fire is contained within control lines with more than 85 firefighters continuing their efforts to extinguish the remaining areas that are still burning within its perimeter.

CFS Incident Controller Rob Ellis said an aerial backburning operation is scheduled to take place at 3pm today to help accelerate the process that is being undertaken by firefighters.

"With the aid of aerial drip torch work we are hoping to increase the rate of backburning with this fire and assist firefighters on the ground," Mr Ellis said.

"This means that there will be a greater level of fire activity this afternoon which will generate more smoke," he said.

"Although we expect more smoke in the area there should be no cause for alarm or any concern".

However anyone who sights smoke from any other fire should contact Triple Zero.

The CFS advises that smoke from the Coomunga fire may cause hazardous conditions on some roads in the area and for people with respiratory problems to remain indoors and close all doors and windows until the smoke has passed.

The Coomunga fire which has burnt about 2,300 hectares of scrub and grassland, has resulted in no significant injuries or property damage.

For more information about other incidents visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au or contact the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.

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

Government of South Australia