SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Cygnet River fire on KI contained

18/02/2013

CFS crews have contained a fire on Kangaroo Island which had threatened several farm properties this afternoon.

The fire in the Cygnet River area was reported just after 4 o'clock and moved rapidly in a north-easterly direction with winds up to 50kph, prompting a Bushfire Emergency Warning message.

It brought down powerlines along the Playford Hwy and destroyed the Cygnet River telephone exchange, a shed and a utility.

CFS firefighters will monitor the area overnight to prevent any flare-ups.

The fire was caused from a lightning strike on the weekend which rekindled this afternoon.

Smoke from the Cygnet River fire has been drifting south-west towards the mainland over parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges and Lower North areas including Gawler.

Residents and travellers in these areas are advised to remain vigilant at all times during the Fire Danger Season and if they are still uncertain about the origin of the smoke, or notice any flames, to ring Triple Zero immediately.

Meanwhile, a scrub and grass fire is continuing to burn in the Tilley Swamp Conservation Park in the Lower South East.

The fire which started from a rekindled lightning strike yesterday morning, has burnt about 1,850 hectares, with no threat to property.

About 100 firefighters with the support of Farm Fire Units and fixed-winged bombers have been battling the fire which is expected to be contained tonight or tomorrow morning.

For information about CFS-related incidents visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au or contact the 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