Bush fires engulf parts of South Australia

South Australia is engulfed in “extremely dangerous” bush fires, as hot weather and high winds hit the region. Officials have issued an emergency warning as the uncontrolled fire threatens lives and property.

The fire is burning grasslands and remnants of harvested grain crops with several homestead and farm sheds destroyed. It is burning towards towns in the famous Barossa Valley wine grape growing areas about 80km north east of Adelaide which is a concern.

The main citrus growing regions are in the Riverland (Renmark), approx 200 km north east, and the fresh grape growing regions are in the Sunraysia (Mildura / Robinvale) areas, some 400 km from the fires being reported.

Some cherry and apple growing areas in the Adelaide Hills are approx 50 km south of the fire front.

The Country Fire Service sent 95 firefighters, 40 fire units and water-bombing aircraft, as a huge fire makes its way towards Mallala, in South Australia’s mid-north.

The situation is dangerous for the residents and due to the high winds, there is a definite risk of the fire changing direction.

The fires are raging amid hot conditions across much of South Australia with temperatures reaching 32C. The CFS warn that winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour could cause the fire to change direction.