Message ID: 0005155
Time Message Issued: 10:01
Date Message Issued: 05/12/2020
Origin / Name: NEPEAN BAY
Nepean Bay Fire Update
ISSUED FOR NEPEAN BAY
The fire at Nepean Bay, approximately 5km North West of the township of American River on Kangaroo Island continues to burn into its second day.
The fire started in grassland north of Flea Castle Rd at about 3pm Friday afternoon, and spread into heavy scrub in a South Westerly direction towards Flea Castle Road. This scrub consists of very heavy, and predominantly inaccessible vegetation, and crews were confronted with significant flame heights.
Initial firefighting efforts focused on ensuring the fire in surrounding grassland and crop was extinguished, with a view to containing the fire to the native scrub. This was achieved with CFS Crews working in conjunction with heavy machinery, approximately 10 local farm fire units and supported by 4 waterbombing and 2 aerial observation aircraft.
Crews worked overnight conducting back-burning operations and using heavy machinery to establish containment lines, ahead of strengthening winds today. These operations have involved burning out most of the heavy vegetation in this area, with approximately 125ha now burnt. This work has been critical, with forecast Westerly winds of 40-60kph today.
There are 8 CFS appliances, supported by crews from National Parks and Wildlife and approximately 5 private farm units, as well as heavy machinery working on the fireground today. Additionally, 2 waterbombing aircraft remain pre-positioned on Kangaroo Island today as additional cover should the fire escape containment lines.
Whilst a small amount of rain has fallen on the fireground this morning, it has had minimal effect and the fire is expected to burn for at least another day. Whilst the strong winds remain an ongoing concern, the increased moisture in the air and lower temperatures have provided crews some relief.
Residents in the near by area, including American River, are reminded to monitor condtitions and the situation throughout the day
For updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
This message will be updated as the situation changes or before: Dec 05 2020 20:00
WHAT TO DO:
- Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan
- Decide what you will do if the situation changes
- Look and listen for information on television, radio, internet, mobile phones and by speaking with neighbours
KEEP UP TO DATE:
- CFS website : cfs.sa.gov.au
- Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361
- For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361
- For teletype service TTY 133 677
- CFS on Facebook or Twitter
- On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast Partners.
Do not rely on a single source for warning information.
For emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
End of Message
