Message ID: 0004252
Time Message Issued: 13:20
Date Message Issued: 31/12/2019
Origin / Name: RAVINE
RAVINE FIRE UPDATE
ISSUED FOR RAVINE
An Emergency Warning message is currently in place for the Ravine Fires.
The two Ravine fires, which started approximately five kilometres apart in inaccessible scrubland south of Cape Borda Road in the Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, have burnt through approximately 4000 ha of native vegetation, and has included impacts on private property and timber plantations.
Both fires have crossed Cape Borda road, and are currently travelling in a North Easterly direction towards Snug Cove and DeMole Estate.
Firefighting activities are currently focussing on asset protection where safe to do so. Whilst firefighters on the ground are being supported by aircraft, changing weather conditions and lack of visibility due to smoke may decrease their effectiveness.
It is anticipated that during the course of today, the two Ravine fires will merge, with a high likelihood they will burn into the western end of the Duncan Fire, which was declared contained yesterday evening.
The Country Fire Service is currently evaluating various options relating to a broader containment strategy of these fires, but it is expected they will burn for a number of days. It is likely that the Cape Torrens Wilderness Area, Cape Borda, and large tracts of the Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Area will be impacted. There are also concerns held for Flinders Chase National Park if the fire remains uncontained ahead of forecast northerly winds on Friday. At this point in time, South Coast Road and Flinders Chase National Park remains open to tourists, however the CFS is liaising regularly with the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the status of Flinders Chase National park remaining open, and updates will be provided as necessary.
Extensive road closures (Tier 1 - fully closed) are in place on the western end of Kangaroo Island. Playford Highway is closed to all west-bound traffic at the intersection of North Coast Road. Whilst North Coast Road remains open, Berrymans Road, Colmans Road, Snug Cove Road, Flinders Way, Jump Off Road and Cape Borda Road are all closed.
West End Highway and Shackle Road are completely closed between Playford Highway and South Coast Road. Furthermore, Baxters Road, Church Road and West Bay Road are also closed. West Bay Track is closed to all north bound traffic, however remains an escape route for residents in the fire effected area, noting it is a 5 hour trip on a rough gravel road, so utilising this option should be carefully considered, and will be closed from Wednesday night ahead of forecast Easterly winds on Thursday. Residents are advised to note this is subject to change, and if wishing to utilise this option should do so immediately.
For updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361. For updated road closure information please visit the traffic SA website (www.traffic.sa.gov.au)
This message will be updated as the situation changes or before: Dec 31 2019 15:30
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
