Wilmington Scrub Fire
Issued for WILMINGTON, MELROSE, NECTAR BROOK AND MAMBRAY CREEK in the Mount Remarkable National Park in the Flinders Ranges.
Firefighters, aircraft, and Farm Fire Units have continued working on the perimeter today to extinguish hot spots. Aircraft also added more fire retardant in the south to strengthen control lines ahead of the expected wind change tomorrow to reduce the risk of the fire spreading into unburnt and inaccessible areas to the south.
Controlled burns on the weekend successfully reduced fuel in the targeted areas. Firefighters have been patrolling today, focussing on extinguishing hotspots and smouldering trees.
The fire boundary has remained stable over the past 24 hours. The fire remains primarily within the national park boundaries, with minor incursions onto private land that are either self-extinguishing due to low fuel levels or being suppressed by farm fire units, ground crews, and aerial support.
As the day has warmed up, we have seen an increase in fire activity within the control lines. Crews are monitoring the fire and taking action as needed however we are aware that a change in wind direction this afternoon has brought more smoke to Wilmington and nearby areas. Residents are encouraged to take protective action, with smoke expected until late tonight when the wind is forecast to change direction.
This evening, the fire will continue burning in the heavier timber in the north and is expected to move into areas with less fuel later tonight. Wilmington residents may see a glow from the fire until it reaches the grasslands. Crews will be working on the fire until dark and patrol the area overnight however if you are concerned, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
With northerly winds predicted all day tomorrow, residents south of the fire should also be aware of the health effects of smoke and take steps to protect themselves.
The fire has burned approximately 4,650 ha in steep and inaccessible terrain and remains mostly within the national park boundaries. The total perimeter is approximately 58 km.
Whilst there is no immediate threat to lives and property, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and continue to check the CFS website regularly to stay informed and know if the situation changes.
We understand this may a stressful time for the local community so to help keep residents informed, there is a dedicated webpage to provide information about the fire and preparedness tips: cfs.sa.gov.au/wilmington-fire
Mount Remarkable National Park will remain closed until further notice.
Message ID 0008153
