UPDATE: 4.45pm The warning level on the fire on Swamp Rd, Beaufort, near Port Wakefield has been downgraded from ‘Emergency Warning’ to ‘Bushfire Advice’.
If you are in this area stay alert, monitor local conditions and decide what you will do if the situation changes.
At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.
Road closures remain in place.
#Bushfire Advice Message : Issued for #SWAMP_ROAD,_BEAUFORT #fire. If you are in this area stay alert, monitor local conditions and decide what you will do if the situation changes. #BAM ID=0003279 #SAFires https://t.co/UN2G7T7jk7 pic.twitter.com/ipJ6iYOf3J
— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) November 20, 2019
UPDATE 4.30pm: National Highway One closed
This fire is currently contained and crews will remain on scene for a considerable amount of time actively extinguishing hotspots.
CFS advises that the Augusta Highway (National Highway One) has been closed to southbound traffic at the intersection with Nantawarra Road. Passenger vehicles will be diverted onto Nantawarra Road. Heavy vehicles will not be able to progress on Nantawarra Rd.
National Highway One is closed to north bound traffic from Port Wakefield.
Balaklava Road is closed between Port Wakefield and Balaklava.
CFS advises avoiding the area as motorists will experience reduced visibility due to high levels of dust and smoke.
The CFS previously issued an emergency warning that advised it was now ‘too late to leave’.
**EMERGENCY WARNING FOR A BUSHFIRE BURNING UNDER CATASTROPHIC WEATHER CONDITIONS – Issued for Port Wakefield Highway near Port Wakefield** The latest in 7NEWS at 4pm and 6pm. https://t.co/hSo2OJCvag #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/P94NsqDg4r
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) November 20, 2019
BREAKING: Pictures just in from Port Wakefield where a grass fire is burning out of control. Very hot and windy out here making it very difficult for fire fighters. @9NewsAdel pic.twitter.com/B7HXZ2UYaP
— Keziah Sullivan (@9keziahsullivan) November 20, 2019
Homes are not built to withstand these fire conditions, however they can be used as a shelter against heat from the fire.
You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.
Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.
WHAT TO DO:
- Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
- Protect yourself from the fire’s heat, put on protective clothing.
- Tell family or friends of your plan.
- If you are driving and become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
- Identify a spot to shelter in, with more than one exit. Keep moving so you are away from the heat of the fire.
- Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
- Bring pets inside and restrain them.
- Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
- If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the area.
- If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
- CFS website : cfs.sa.gov.au
- Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361
- For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361
- For teletype service TTY 133 677
- CFS on Facebook or Twitter
- On local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast Partners.
Do not rely on a single source for warning information.
For emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
This article will be updated as more information comes to hand from the CFS.
