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Fierce and unpredictable winds are driving the flames deeper into Deep Creek National Park, with officials cautioning that conditions are likely to deteriorate further tomorrow.
This erratic bushfire is rapidly advancing through the rugged terrain, as over 250 firefighters battle to contain a blaze that has already scorched nearly 2,000 hectares, posing a significant threat to communities like Cape Jervis and Silverton.
The sky above Deep Creek was painted a fiery red, prompting some locals to begin packing their belongings in preparation for potential evacuation.
“You could see red across the hill, so Deep Creek was burning. I knew it was at Silverton,” a resident shared with 9News.
By late yesterday, those still in the area were advised that it was too dangerous to evacuate.
“We slept in our cars last night at Cape Jervis then went back to check our houses were there, which they were, and then had to vacate again,” Darren Rigg told 9News.
Fire crews worked through the night to defend homes, businesses and livestock and their efforts persisted throughout today.
The Country Fire Service is yet to confirm if any homes have been lost but 9News understands a business has been impacted.
“This fire is not going away,” CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said.
“It’s going to continue to be a challenge for us.”
The local community has been rallying, with holiday park owner Ben Taylor offering up his own backyard for all those needing shelter.
“For as long as needs be, until they get it all under control and people can safely go back to their homes and stuff like that they’re all welcome, that’s fine,” Taylor told 9News.
The impact and intensity of the blaze has been far reaching, with Kangaroo Island ferry services halted last night.
They resumed this afternoon but only for essential freight and emergency services.
Main South Road is still closed westbound between Delamere and Cape Jervis, with limited access for those travelling east.
“Whilst there is still active fire coming up onto the roadside and we have strike teams of firefighters diligently working there, it is not a safe environment and that road is going to remain closed for an extended period of time,” Loughlin said.
While the threat has reduced for now, authorities say fire crews have an enormous task ahead of them with the first still burning out-of-control.
There is an extreme fire danger warning and a total fire ban in place for tomorrow with winds set to increase across the Mount Lofty Ranges, which includes the fire ground on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
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