Message ID: 0004777
Time Message Issued: 10:24
Date Message Issued: 22/01/2020
Origin / Name: RAVINE
Incident Update for Ravine Fire on Kangaroo Island
ISSUED FOR RAVINE
Yesterday there were small flare ups as wind speeds increased, generally on the eastern edges of the fire ground (west of Vivonne Bay, around Parndana and in the northern section of the fire ground). Crews rapidly responded and extinguished this fire activity. There was little fire activity overnight and crews used the opportunity to consolidate control lines and black out.
The forecast Fire Danger Rating for today is Very High. Residents need to be aware that this is anticipated to be a day of increased bushfire risk. The wind direction will shift to a westerly with speeds of 30-45kmph with gusts of up to 70. There is potential for light rain in the afternoon but it is unlikely to be enough to stop fires.
Any outbreaks are predicted to spread in an easterly direction under strong westerly winds. Flare ups are expected within the fire ground as wind speeds increase where hotspots occur amongst unburnt islands of vegetation.
Whilst there is no immediate threat from the fire at this time, the situation could change and the community are reminded to stay alert and monitor local conditions.
Beware of the danger of trees falling, particularly sugar gums, due to the strong winds. The wind is also likely to stir up lots of dust and ash which presents a risk to the community, especially for people with respiratory conditions.
CFS is maintaining the current crew numbers on the Island to ensure that all work can be completed and any areas of concern can be addressed as quickly as possible. There is still aircraft in use to assist firefighting efforts as well as over 180 firefighters over the next few days.
There is no public access to Flinders Chase National Park and Kelly Hill Caves until further notice. Australian Defence Force personnel are providing a presence in these areas to ensure the public do not access unsafe areas. The extent of damage to park infrastructure is still to be properly assessed and it is unsafe for the any members of the public to be in these areas. Seal Bay Conservation Park is currently open.
Drones are going to be in use by infrastructure and other agencies to assist with repairs and recovery activities. These are being used in consultation with CFS air operations. Private use of drones in an area where fire-fighting aircraft are in use is strictly forbidden.
Local government have sourced from the mainland additional tree-clearing/trimming crews and equipment including arborists to assess trees.
A community meeting will be held at Parndana Sporting Complex, Thursday 23 January from 6pm.
The Recovery Centre is open from 7am to 7pm, located at Parndana Community Centre, next to the Playground, corner Wheaton Street and Jubilee Avenue. The Recovery Centre is a point of contact for a range of services 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 23 2020 09:30
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
