Homes destroyed by out-of-control SA bushfire
Homes destroyed by out-of-control SA bushfire
12 November 2012
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia–– Four properties have been destroyed in a bushfire that is continuing to burn out of control on South Australia’s lower Eyre Peninsula.
Over 140 hectares of crops and scrub have been burnt by the fire, which started west of Tulka, near Port Lincoln just before midday on Sunday.
The Country Fire Service says two houses have been destroyed, as well as two shacks, and two sheds, all in the Sleaford Bay area.
The fire is heading south towards Fishery Bay, and has cut several roads, trapping about a dozen people at a beach in the area.
More than 100 firefighters have worked through the night, and three water bombers are also being used.
Police have set up a refuge at the Port Lincoln Bowling club for affected residents, and a community meeting was held in Tulka last night.
The Mayor of Port Lincoln, Bruce Green, told News 24 authorities are hopeful conditions will ease.
“Thankfully conditions have moderated. The hot northerly wind we’ve been dealing with has dropped out to a large extent and the forecast for tomorrow (Monday) is much better,” he said.
Earlier CFS state coordinator Malim Watts said authorities were door-knocking houses to warn residents of the potential dangers.
“It’s being driven by strong northerly winds and that fire is a risk to lives and homes,” he said.
“At this present time we don’t want people out on the road. The roadway is a dangerous place.
“This fire is a dangerous fire and we want people to remain in their homes or at their places of work or other places until such time as the situation is stabilised in that area.
“We don’t want people trying to return home unnecessarily.”
Crews are also fighting an out-of-control blaze at Calpatanna Waterhole Conservation Park between Calca and Streaky Bay.
And fires are also burning near Mambray Creek in the Southern Flinders Ranges and near Humbug Scrub in the Adelaide Hills.
Authorities are not aware of how the Tulka blaze began.
