Deep Creek Bushfire Rages on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula
A significant bushfire, known as the Deep Creek fire, is burning on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide. The blaze, which originated on Sunday, has affected over 2,500 hectares of land. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by ground and air resources, continue to battle the fire in challenging conditions marked by strong winds and inaccessible terrain. Warnings have been issued for several communities, and structures have been impacted.
Incident Overview
The bushfire began around 4:30 PM on Sunday on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Initially reported as separate fronts, including the Tooperang fire near Mount Compass and a blaze originating in Deep Creek Conservation Park, the combined incident has spread significantly.
Over 2,500 hectares of scrub and grass have burned across the region. Earlier reports indicated approximately 450 hectares in the Tooperang area and 960 hectares within Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation Parks.
The fire remains uncontrolled and is active on multiple fronts.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
Hundreds of firefighters, including interstate crews and over 250 personnel working overnight, are engaged in containment efforts. They are supported by more than 60 trucks and air resources, which include 12 aircraft, two of which are Black Hawks, that have conducted over 420 water bomber drops. Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) teams have also been deployed to protect properties.
Challenging Conditions
Firefighters have been challenged by the fire's progression through steep, rugged, and inaccessible scrubland and grassland. Conditions have included strong winds, registering 30-40 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h, and continually shifting directions, alongside temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius. These factors have contributed to unpredictable fire behavior.
Crews have undertaken back-burning operations and worked to establish control lines, attempting to prevent the fire from entering Mount Magnificent and Cox Scrub conservation parks. The fire has been observed moving in various directions, including south-westerly towards Cleland Gully Road and west-north-westerly towards Cape Jervis and a caravan park following a wind change.
Warnings and Impacted Communities
An Emergency Warning was issued on Monday evening for communities within Deep Creek, Silverton, Blowhole Beach Road, and Cape Jervis, advising residents to take immediate shelter in a solid building due to the fire's proximity making vehicle or foot travel unsafe. This warning was subsequently downgraded to a Watch and Act message overnight, though authorities have indicated the situation remains subject to rapid change and an upgrade to the warning level remains possible.
A Watch and Act message has also been issued for residents in areas including Tooperang, Nangkita, Mount Jagged, and Mosquito Hill.
Residents across all affected zones are advised to take action, review their bushfire plans, and monitor official information sources.
Smoke plumes from the fire are impacting surrounding regions, including Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula. Individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions in these areas have been urged to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
Impacts and Closures
The fire has impacted structures and farm sheds, with at least one structure reported lost and potential for further impacts. Burnt-out paddocks have been observed in affected areas. Multiple structures, including in the township of Cape Jervis, rural properties, and critical infrastructure, have been under threat, with ongoing protection efforts.
Road and Park Closures
Several road closures are in effect, including Main South Road from Cole Road, Delamere, to Cape Jervis. Some restrictions on Main South Road near Cape Jervis have been eased for verified local residents, including those accessing the Kangaroo Island ferry, freight, and essential services. Deep Creek National Park and Talisker Conservation Park have been closed.
Travel Disruptions
Kangaroo Island ferry operator SeaLink has reported potential disruptions and canceled several crossings, advising customers to check online for updates before traveling. The public has been cautioned against flying drones in the affected zone due to the hazard they pose to firefighting aircraft.
Investigation and Outlook
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Firefighting crews are expected to remain on site for several days. Officials anticipate the fire could continue to grow, with the threat potentially escalating under prevailing conditions.