More than 100 firefighters will continue to tackle a forest fire near Lucindale in the South East of South Australia today amid soaring temperatures and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
More than 165 firefighters, including strike teams, worked overnight to halt the spread of the fire burning in the Coles area in bluegum plantations.
Additional resources will be brought in today to work along the fire's perimeter to battle any flare-ups or breaks in containment lines.
Temperatures are expected to hit mid-30 degrees Celsius today in the Lucindale district.
Residents in the area are urged to remain on alert amid potentially changing conditions.
CFS regional duty officer Jason Druwitt said the fire was burning through plantations and slash.
He said the fire was located about 20 kilometres south of Lucindale.
"We're going to see winds and temperatures picking up today. So, crews have put a lot of emphasis on the southern area. That's where the main pressure point is going to be today.
"Conditions will be challenging out there. But we've got over 140 crews, 40 fire trucks, and four water bombers coming down to help secure this fire."
Mr Druwitt said local crews would also be bolstered by a number of strike teams travelling from other parts of the state.
"Given the conditions today the main pressure is going to be if the fire was to break containment lines and will be pushing south," he said.
Fire crews on the ground described conditions yesterday as "challenging" with multiple containment lines breached.
"The area was brought under control with assistance from a second strike team from Tatiara. A few tired members and one filthy truck now," said the Yahl CFS.
Flare-ups a concern
In a statement, CFS media said heavy plant machinery was used to create mineral earth breaks around the fire's perimeter.
"Further crews will be brought in today to continue working along the fire's perimeter and to actively fight any areas that may flare up due to the daytime weather forecast," the statement said.
CFS crews will be supported by farm fire units, forest industry crews including PF Olsen and Australian Bluegum Plantations crews, heavy plant machinery, and aerial firefighting resources.
"The fire continues to burn in the plantation, including areas known as bluegum slash consisting of old stumps and debris remaining on the ground, and surrounding grassland," the CFS said.
While overnight conditions eased, the CFS said there were still areas of active fire, and smoke would continue to be seen and smelled by residence in the areas to the south, south-west, and west.
Callendale Road has been closed from Konetta Road, Lucindale Road, and Clay Wells Road, and it is only accessible to bona fide residents, emergency services, and relief agencies.
SA Police, SA Ambulance, and the Salvation Army are also in attendance.
