Wilmington scrub fire
Issued for Wilmington, Melrose, Nectar Brook, and Mambray Creek in the Mount Remarkable National Park in the Flinders Ranges.
A community meeting will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 5:00 pm at Wilmington Memorial Hall, 47 Horrocks Highway, Wilmington.
Community members are invited to attend to hear from Sindy McCourt, SA Country Fire Service Regional Commander, to provide information on the fire.
Nearby communities will notice an increase in aviation activity in the area. Aircraft are currently working on deploying fire retardant to lower the risk of spreading past control lines, and aerial bombing and observational aircraft are supporting them.
Firefighters will closely monitor weather conditions in the coming days and carry out controlled burns when needed to limit the fire from spreading. Fire behaviour is expected to be low to moderate. During these burns, the community may notice more smoke, flames, and embers, especially at night.
Whilst there is currently no threat to local communities, anyone in Wilmington, Melrose, Nectar Brook, and Mambray Creek is strongly encouraged to stay informed through multiple channels as the situation is continually changing.
Around 100 CFS and Department for Environment and Water firefighters are working on a scrub fire at Alligator Gorge in the Mount Remarkable National Park. They are supported by approximately 20 trucks, 5 Farm Fire Units, heavy machinery, and 10 aircraft, including firebombers and observational aircraft.
Due to the steep terrain with limited safe access for firefighters, the fire remains uncontained and is predicted to burn for the remainder of the week, if not longer. The fire has continued to grow to approximately 2800 ha and currently remains mostly within the national park boundaries, except for some small areas across the northern end.
Mount Remarkable National Park will remain closed until further notice. Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the wider area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive according to the local conditions.
Smoke impacting local communities may increase at different points over the coming days. Please take precautions for your health, and if driving through smoke, ensure you slow down and drive to conditions.
Message ID 0008137
