Speed of Yumali fire a prime example of the dangers faced this Bushfire Season
20/11/2020
Late winter rains have resulted in large volumes of grass and crop growth across the state.
Country Fire Service State Duty Commander Yvette Dowling said, "the extra growth in areas that are yet to be harvested increase the risk of fast-moving fires."
"When fire enters crops or heavily grassed areas, we see very fast-moving fire," Ms Dowling said.
"The Yumali fire consumed almost 5,000 hectares in four hours.
"The fire travelled with such speed that it was not safe for us to put our trucks in front of it in an attempt to extinguish," Ms Dowling said.
"The fire burned with such ferocity that at times it was difficult for our firebombers to attack the flames."
"Fire investigators from SA Police, SA Metropolitan Fire Service and SA Country Fire Service are attending this morning to determine the cause of the fire."
Unfortunately, one house and one shed has been destroyed in the fire.
The CFS airfleet completed 48 drops of firefighting products onto the fire, totalling more than 110,000 litres of product dropped from above.
Two people were injured during the fire.
A CFS four-wheel drive was involved in a head-on collision with a private vehicle on the fireground, with all occupants cleared of major injuries.
"This fire has given us an early reminder that, even though we have had recent rainfall and cooler conditions, there is still a great potential for large scale fires.
"You need to ensure your property is cleaned up now, and you have a Bushfire Survival Plan."
Under COVID-19 lockdown conditions, residents are allowed to leave their properties in cases of emergency.
More details on how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan can be found at cfs.sa.gov.au
