Home / Disasters and Accidents / SA Bushfire Threatens Homes: Watch and Act Alert Issued
SA Bushfire Threatens Homes: Watch and Act Alert Issued
19 Jan
Summary
- Over 650 hectares burned as uncontrolled bushfire rages.
- At least three structures destroyed, including a family's home.
- Watch and Act alert issued for Tooperang, Nangkita, Mount Jagged.
A significant bushfire continues to burn uncontrolled east of Mount Compass in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, impacting areas including Tooperang, Nangkita, Mount Jagged, and Mosquito Hill. Over 650 hectares of grassland and scrub have been scorched, with at least three structures confirmed destroyed, including a family's home. Over 120 firefighters and 60 vehicles are working to contain the blaze.
Emergency services issued a 'Watch and Act' alert early on Monday morning, urging residents to prepare to leave as the fire posed a threat to safety. Alpaca farmer Chris Williams described a nervous night, with the fire coming close to his property, a situation he has experienced before after damage in 2019. The unpredictable nature of bushfires was highlighted, with one Nangkita resident's motorhome destroyed within 20 minutes of an evacuation alert.
While no injuries have been reported, road closures remain in effect. Fire danger ratings are high across most of South Australia this week, with the article also referencing the broader context of climate change increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like bushfires. A settled weather pattern is expected on Tuesday, but hotter-than-average conditions are forecast to continue until April.
