Message ID: 0004550
Time Message Issued: 10:12
Date Message Issued: 08/01/2020
Origin / Name: RAVINE
Changing winds today increases fire risk
ISSUED FOR THE RAVINE FIRE, WESTERN END OF KANGAROO ISLAND
CFS advises residents to prepare for a change in wind direction today as winds swing to the east and north east. This will increase the risk of the fire travelling in a southerly direction towards a number of communities including Parndana, Andamel and Vivonne Bay. There continues to be significant fire activity in and around Stokes Bay, King George River and Snug Cove, and variable local winds are increasing the fire danger in these areas
The eastern edge of the fire runs between the south coast (west of Vivonne Bay) and the north coast (around Stokes Bay). Efforts in the past few days have focused on securing this fire edge, putting out hotspots and mopping up in preparation for the coming fire weather. Progress is being made to blacken out along this fire edge, however there are still some areas of concern. Residents need to stay alert for changing fire conditions and be ready to put their Bushfire Survival Plan into action.
The Ravine fire remains uncontrolled and has now burnt a total of 162,406 hectares with a perimeter of more than 382km. A significant proportion of the western end of Kangaroo Island has been impacted including a large number of farming properties and the majority of Flinders Chase National Park.
It continues to burn freely in remote and inaccessible wilderness areas on the western end of Kangaroo Island and fire activity is being monitored by aircraft with aerial observation and imagery.
With higher fire danger today and tomorrow, visitors are encouraged to stay away from risk areas near the edge of the fire. Road closures remain in place on the western end of Kangaroo Island for community safety. For updates go to www.traffic.sa.gov.au.
Flinders Chase National Park and Kelly Hill Caves remain closed until further notice. For more information visit https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts.
People need to be aware of hazards in and around the fireground. Watch out for roaming livestock, falling and burning trees and underground roots, damaged or blocked roads, fallen power lines, smoke, ash and possible asbestos contamination. For emergency assistance for livestock and animals call 1800 255 556.
Damage assessment has now been completed for the private properties. CFS has received advice from SA Police and other emergency services that a total of 233 properties have been assessed, with 56 homes and 257 vehicles destroyed, major damage to 10 buildings, minor damage to 18 buildings and 236 outbuildings damaged.
A relief centre is open from 7am to 7pm at the Kingscote Football Club, Centenary Avenue, Kingscote. For further information about services, ring the Disaster Recovery Hotline 1800 302 787. People directly affected by the fire are encouraged to visit the relief centre to apply for emergency grants and assistance.
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: Jan 08 2020 16:00
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
