Wilmington Fire
This webpage was created on Saturday 8 February 2025 to provide updates for community located close to the Wilmington Fire, which is currently burning in the Mount Remarkable National Park in the Flinders Ranges.
Updates - 22 February
Updates - 21 February
Updates - 16 February
Updates - 15 February
Updates - 14 February
Updates - 13 February
- Explainer: fire size, embers, spot fires and hot spots
- Wilmington fire update
- Line Scan
- Wilmington fire crews work through heatwave
Updates - 12 February
Updates - 11 February
- Wilmington fire update and line scan
- Increase in smoke in the Wilmington area
- The importance of the staging area
Updates - 10 February
Updates - 9 February
- Preparing yourself, your home, and your property for a bushfire
- Line scan update
- Further controlled burns
- Road closures
- Incident Update
Updates - 8 February
- Make your bushfire plan
- Controlled burns planned
- Mount Remarkable National Park line scan
- Wilmington Bushfire Safer Places
Wilmington fire update
Updated at 5.55pm, 22 February
Today saw a heightened level of activity in the area, with additional firefighters called in to monitor the area and address any potential breakaways to preventing the spread of the fire beyond its current perimeter.
While there was a noticeable increase in smoke observed on the fireground, an aerial observation flight provided reassurance that the overall situation remained stable. Firefighters will continue monitoring of the fireground throughout the evening to ensure the fire stays contained.
If you observe any smoke followed by flames or thick smoke plumes, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Important update for farmers
Updated at 11:15am, 21 February
We understand that some farmers need to access their properties within the Wilmington fireground to perform critical work.
Your safety, and the safety of all emergency responders, is our top priority so if you do need to enter the fireground:
- Contact Region 4 Headquarters on 08 8642 2399 before you head out. This allows us to coordinate your entry and ensure everyone's safety.
- If you are already on the ground, please use UHF Channel 9 to communicate. This will help us maintain contact and provide assistance if needed.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep everyone safe during this challenging time.
Preparations ahead of high fire danger weather
Updated at 10:30am, 21 February
The Wilmington fire is currently classified as 'contained', which means that while the fire's forward spread has been halted, hot spots continue to burn within the fireground.
The high fire danger weather forecast for this Saturday, 22 February, elevates the risk of 'breakaways'—where embers or flames escape the control lines. Hot, dry, and windy conditions could fan these embers, causing new fires to start outside the established perimeter.
In response to the heightened risk, CFS, DEW, and Farm Fire Units will increase their presence in the Wilmington area. This is a proactive measure designed to enhance monitoring of the fireground and provide a quick response to any potential breakaways.
Residents in the surrounding areas are strongly urged to prioritise their personal preparedness. This includes developing and practising a comprehensive bushfire survival plan. You should also stay informed about the latest fire updates through the CFS website and other official channels and be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan at a moment's notice.
If you observe any smoke followed by flames or thick smoke plumes, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Thank you
Update 5:00 pm, 16 February
Over the past two weeks, CFS and Department for Environment and Water firefighters, and Farm Fire Units have been working tirelessly together, navigating difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions.
A huge thank you to all our volunteer firefighters, including the strike teams and Incident Management Teams who travelled from across the state to support the fire response.
We also want to acknowledge the staging area personnel from the State Emergency Service, Salvation Army, and St John's Ambulance, who ensured our crews were well cared for.
Thank you to everyone for your unwavering dedication and teamwork during the Wilmington fire to date.
Wilmington fire update
Update 4:15 pm, 15 February
The Wilmington fire has now remained contained for approximately 24 hours.
Hot spots and smouldering continues across the fireground and will be monitored by CFS and Department for Environment and Water (DEW) firefighters over the weekend and into early next week when the fire weather is predicted to elevate.
The Wilmington fire is expected to continue to burn for some time. The landscape remains hot and dry with limited chance of change for the remainder of the bushfire season.
While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, residents are encouraged to stay informed.
The Mount Remarkable National Park remains closed.
"It's what we do" - Wilmington Brigade responses to fire in Mount Remarkable National Park
Update 3:00 pm, 15 February
For the past two weeks Wilmington CFS, led by Captain Geoff Hitch and fellow brigade member and wife Lynda Hitch, have exemplified the spirit of CFS and been vital in supporting firefighting efforts.
The Wilmington Brigade was quickly en route up the mountain to investigate after a lightning strike started the fire in Mount Remarkable National Park at about 4:30 pm on 3 February. First on scene, the brigade worked with local Department of Environment and Water (DEW) crews to manage the fire, with the challenges of the hard-to-access terrain immediately evident.
Fighting fires is unpredictable, and the situation escalated when the fire surrounded the crew, injuring a firefighter. Geoff and a fellow volunteer swiftly placed the injured member into a fire truck and transported them back to town, where an ambulance was waiting.
The resilient nature of this brigade saw them back on the fireground the next day undertaking asset protection on Alligator Lodge within the Mount Remarkable National Park, which was primarily saved thanks to their heroic efforts.
As additional firefighters arrived, Geoff and Lynda continued supporting the effort, staying late at their local mechanic and petrol station to provide fuel for crews, clean air filters, and fix vehicles that had been damaged on the fireground.
With their experience and knowledge of the local terrain, including past fires like the Bangor fire, the Wilmington brigade is well-equipped to handle this situation. They will continue working closely with CFS and Department for Environment and Water to monitor the fire through upcoming elevated fire weather.
Thank you for the donations
Update 9:45 am, 15 February
The outpouring of support from Wilmington and surrounding communities has been outstanding. Firefighters have greatly appreciated the support while working long hours through hot conditions in tough terrain.
Food is being provided to the remaining firefighters and by the Salvation Army and we thank them for their support over the past fortnight.
If you'd like to donate, consider the CFS Foundation, which helps volunteers and their families in need. Thank you to everyone, especially the Wilmington community, for your support.
Wilmington fire contained
Update 9:15 pm, 14 February
The Wilmington fire is now contained, with today's cooler conditions providing firefighters, aircraft and Farm Fire Units the opportunity to move activities towards monitoring the incident's perimeter.
Fire management moving forward
Update 2:30 pm, 14 February
Crews have successfully laid the ground work to create a perimeter around the Wilmington fire allowing fire management to move towards containment and monitoring.
After 12 days of active firefighting by ground crews, farm fire units and aircraft, the fire front is now held and the growth of the perimeter has remained steady.
The cooler conditions and higher relative humidity, increasing moisture in the landscape, predicted for the next four days lends itself to working on reinforcing the perimeter which limits the risk of the fire impacting the surrounding park and farming land.
The continued monitoring of the fireground will be undertaken by Department for Environment and Water and local CFS crews, with many of the personnel brought in to assist heading home.
The Wilmington fire is expected to continue to burn for some time. The landscape remains hot and dry with limited chance of change for the remainder of the bushfire season.
We thank everyone for their efforts in supporting with the Wilmington fire management efforts so far and will continue to closely monitor the situation and have additional firefighting resources on standby as required.
While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, while this fire is ongoing we encourage residents to remain vigilant and stay informed.
Road closures
Update 1:30 pm, 14 February
Firefighting crews are continuing to work in and around Mount Remarkable National Park.
Due to the dry conditions and fire activity, the area has a significant risk of low visibility due to dust on dry tracks and dangerous trees with the potential to fall over roads.
The park and surrounding roads remain closed until further notice including:
- Three Chain Road to Horrocks Highway
- Hancocks Lookout Road to Horrocks Pass
- Noll Road to Horrocks Highway
- Mambray Creek Track to Western Boundary Track
- Park Road to Red Gums Camp
- Baroota Ruins Campground
To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area.
For more information please see the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Services Website
Explainer: fire size, embers, spot fires and hot spots
Update 6:00 pm, 13 February
Our most recent line scan shows the area burnt has increased to more than 5400 ha while the perimeter has decreased to approximately 56 km. Scrub fires, like the Wilmington fire, are fuelled by scrub vegetation and trees that drop leaves and twigs (fine fuel) on the ground around them. As with many scrub fires, we are seeing embers - burning leaves and twigs carried by the wind - creating new fires within the fireground. These fires will generally burn out by meeting already burnt areas.
Fires within the control lines will continue unless Mount Remarkable receives rain or no unburnt land is left within the control lines. This means the burnt area will continue to increase while the perimeter decreases.
Embers can travel several kilometres starting spot fires. Spot fires are fires that start outside of the control lines and risk fire spreading to surrounding areas of the park or nearby properties. With the varied wind occurring across the fireground, firefighters and aircraft are constantly monitoring the perimeter of the fire to enable quick respond to any fires starting.
Wilmington fire update
Update 5:15 pm, 13 February
Today's cooler conditions have provided firefighters, aircraft and Farm Fire Units the opportunity to assess the impacts the recent hot weather conditions have had on the fireground.
The burnt area has increased to approximately 5400 ha in steep and inaccessible terrain with some minor breaks outside of control lines on both the north west and south east side.
Weather conditions are expected to stay cool over the next few days however, varied wind patterns have been experienced across the fireground continuing the risk of spot fires.
This wind may also push smoke back over the Wilmington community, residents are encouraged to take protective action for their health. A glow may also be seen from the fire overnight. Crews will be monitoring; however, if you have any concerns, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Hancocks Lookout Road remains closed to the public between Morphett Road and Sims Road to reduce traffic around emergency personnel working in the area.
While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and stay informed
Line Scan 13 February
Wilmington fire crews work through heatwave
Update 12:30 pm, 13 February
Crews at the Wilmington fire have officially worked through the toughest conditions predicted for this week with firefighters recording temperatures of up to 45 degrees on the fire ground yesterday.
At midday there was more than 70 CFS & Department for Environment and Water firefighters from across the state working on the fire supported by multiple farm fire units.
The cooler weather is providing some reprieve for firefighters today, however, the heat over the last few days has added ongoing challenges with an increase in dangerous trees and dust, due to dry conditions, limiting visibility.
To protect firefighters we also have St John Ambulance SA join our amazing crews at the staging area providing around-the-clock medical services at the Wilmington staging ground since they were activated shortly after the fire started.
We thank firefighters, Farm Fire Units, aircraft operators and staging area crews for their ongoing commitment and dedication to supporting with the ongoing efforts at the Wilmington Fire.
Wilmington fire update
Update at 8:30 pm, 12 February
The excellent efforts of firefighters, aircraft, and Farm Fire Units in today's difficult conditions have successfully prevented the fire from spreading beyond the control lines. Throughout the day, several hot spots flared up and were swiftly extinguished by the crews.
Conditions tomorrow are expected to continue impacting the northern fire edge, and the priority will be monitoring hot spots and using heavy machinery and aircraft to reinforce control lines.
A gusty wind change is expected tonight, Wednesday 12 February, which may push smoke back over the Wilmington community. Residents are encouraged to take protective action for their health.
Residents may also notice a glow from the fire overnight. Crews will be monitoring; however, if you have any concerns, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Hancocks Lookout Road is closed to the public between Morphett Road and Sims Road to reduce traffic around emergency personnel working in the area.
While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and continue to check the CFS website regularly. We understand that this may be a stressful time for the local community, especially with the heightened conditions today. Stay informed about local updates by visiting the dedicated webpage for fire information and preparedness tips: cfs.sa.gov.au/wilmington-fire
Mount Remarkable National Park will remain closed until further notice.
Line Scan 12 February
Wilmington fire update
Update at 12 February 12:30 pm
Firefighters, aircraft and Farm Fire Units are monitoring the fireground in preparation for today's elevated fire weather and northerly winds. Crews are on standby to protect the fire border with concerns conditions may cause fire to spread into surrounding areas.
Residents south of the fire are encouraged to prepare today by staying aware of the fire, local conditions, and keeping updated with CFS messaging.
Firefighters, aircraft, and Farm Fire Units prepared yesterday for today's weather conditions by continuing to define the fire ground perimeter and working to extinguish hot spots. Aircraft also added more fire retardant to the south to strengthen control lines ahead of today's winds, reducing the risk of fire spreading into unburned and inaccessible areas to the south.
The fire has burned approximately 5090 ha in steep and inaccessible terrain with a total perimeter of more than 60 km. The fire boundary has remained stable over the past 24 hours. It 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.
A change in wind direction this evening may bring smoke to Wilmington and nearby areas. Residents are encouraged to take protective action for their health as required.
While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and continue to check the CFS website regularly. We understand that this may be a stressful time for the local community, especially with the heightened conditions today.
Updated at 6.15pm, 11 February
Today's line scan showed good progress in putting out hot spots along the southern edge of the fire. 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.
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.
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 are self-extinguishing due to low fuel levels or being suppressed by farm fire units, ground crews, and aerial support.
Increase in smoke in the Wilmington area
Updated at 3.15pm, 11 February
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.
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 importance of the staging area
Updated at 1.45pm, 11 February
The staging area is critical to the success of large-scale fire responses like the Wilmington Fire. Located outside the fireground, this safe space serves as a central hub where crews check in before deploying to the fire. It also houses support agencies providing essential services like catering and first aid.
The local community and businesses also play a vital role, offering invaluable support to our firefighters. We especially appreciate the heartwarming cards from the Wilmington Primary School children, whose messages of support are proudly displayed in the eating area.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of our firefighters.
Line scan
Updated at 5.00pm, 10 February
Today's line scan confirmed the effectiveness of the fire containment strategies implemented over the past few days.
Firefighters and air crews continued extensive operations today, with a focus on extinguishing hot spots and flare-ups to ensure control lines are well established in preparation for Wednesday's forecasted hot weather.
Water supply concerns
Updated at 9.00am, 10 February
We know many in Wilmington are concerned about the water supply during the ongoing firefighting efforts and want to reassure you that SA Water is closely monitoring the situation. SA Water confirmed the town's water supply has remained between 80-90% capacity, and is currently at 87% (as of 9pm Sunday).
We understand the importance of a reliable water source to the community, especially during emergencies, and will continue liaise with SA Water to provide further information as it becomes available.
Preparing yourself, your home, and your property for a bushfire
Updated at 7.30pm, 9 February
During a bushfire, most homes catch fire when sparks or burning embers settle on or around your home. A well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire and it can be easier for you or firefighters to defend.
Even if you plan to leave early, there is a greater chance that your home will survive if you have undertaken preparations. It will also give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you have to take shelter and is less likely to put your neighbours' homes at risk.
Watch this video for helpful tips on how you can prepare your home for a bushfire.
Learn more at cfs.sa.gov.au/prepare-your-home >
You also need to be prepared to ensure you are physically capable if you plan to defend your family and home during a bushfire. If you or a member of your family has a temporary condition such as a broken arm or illness, consider how that might affect your bushfire survival plan.
Preparing yourself psychologically or emotionally to cope with a bushfire is also just as important as preparing your home and surroundings. Although everyone will cope differently with a frightening event, you can use strategies to resist the natural reaction to panic.
Watch this video to hear about Tina's experience during the Pinery fire (viewer discretion advised).
Learn more at cfs.sa.gov.au/prepare-yourself >
Line scan update
Updated at 4.30pm, 9 February
The line scan taken this morning (9 February) shows the controlled burning taking place on the western edge of the fire. It also highlighted an increase in fire activity on the north-western edge of the fire.
Firefighters and aircraft are working in both areas to stop the fire from spreading outside control lines.
Further controlled burns
Updated 3:05pm, 9 February
Further controlled burns will take place Sunday afternoon (9 February), supported by aircraft. The community may notice more smoke, flames and embers, especially at night, which is to be expected following a controlled burn.
Whilst there is currently no threat to lives and property, we encourage residents to check the CFS website regularly to stay informed and know if the situation changes.
View map to see planned burn areas >
Road closures
Updated at 12:45pm, 9 February
Hancocks Lookout Road is closed to general public between Morphett Road and Sims Road.
Residents and landowners will need to show identification to prove they live in the area and understand that they enter at their own risk. You will need to provide a driver's licence or similar photo ID, or a rates notice with your address before you can enter an affected area.
Incident Update
Updated at 9.15am, 9 February
Controlled burns undertaken on 8 February effectively decreased the amount of fuel in the targeted areas and will be reinforced with further burns today. Firefighters are on patrol, focusing on extinguishing hotspots and smouldering trees.
We understand that increased flame activity was observed in parts of the park last night, which may have caused concern. This is expected following a controlled burn and we encourage residents to stay informed by checking the CFS website for the latest updates.
Make your bushfire plan
Updated at 8.00pm, 8 February
Although there is currently no threat to life and property in Wilmington and surrounding areas at this time, conditions can change quickly so it's important to make plan BEFORE a bushfire threatens.
Your safety and survival during a bushfire will depend on how prepared you are and the decisions you make, and a written bushfire plan will take the pressure off you and avoid arguments and delays. It's also important to include the whole family (including your pets) in bushfire preparations so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
You can complete a 5-minute Bushfire Plan on the CFS website, or take the extra time to prepare something more in depth such as a Bushfire Survival Plan.
Controlled burns planned
Updated at 3.30pm, 8 February
Controlled burns are planned for tonight (8 February) and tomorrow if needed to limit the fire from spreading.
Aircraft have deployed fire retardant to lower the risk of fire spreading past control lines, and aerial bombing and observational aircraft are supporting firefighters on the ground.
During these burns, the community may notice more smoke, flames, and embers, especially at night. The community are reminded to stay vigilant and monitor information provided by CFS to know if the situation changes.
Mt Remarkable National Park line scan
Updated at 2.30pm, 8 February
Line scans are one of the many tools we use to gain valuable insights on what is occuring on the fireground, particularly those areas located in inaccessible terrain.
A line scan conducted this morning (8 February) shows the significant number of hot spots that are being monitored and worked on today by around 70 CFS and DEW firefighters, with support provided by aircraft.
Wilmington Bushfire Safer Places
Updated at 2.00pm, 8 February
A Bushfire Safer Place is an area that has been designated as a place of relative safety from a bushfire. This area may be subject to sparks, embers and smoke but it will be safer than being in a high bushfire risk area. Visit the CFS Bushfire Safer Place webpage to find out more >
As part of your Bushfire Survival Plan, you need to know where to relocate if you plan to leave early or if your plan to stay and defend has failed.
If you are located near or in Wilmington, your closest Bushfire Safer Place is the area shaded yellow in the map below, however it is important to know all Bushfire Safer Places in your area and plan several exit routes in case roads are blocked. Find your Bushfire Safer Place here >
