4.00pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Monarto resident Jordan Maczkowiack is at home right now preparing to evacuate if the Rockleigh fire, which is about 400 metres from his home, comes any closer.
"We got told to leave but we're gonna wait," he said. "We can see planes and everything dumping water nearly on us."
"Mum's about to leave but me and Dad are staying - and one of Dad's mates is here to help too."
3.45pm
One Country Fire Service truck has experienced a burn over as flames twice as high as it swept across its path while fighting the fire burning out of control between Rockleigh, Kanmantoo and Monarto. Volunteers were unharmed despite plastic warping on the vehicle.
A convoy of half a dozen fire trucks have just left the Monarto Zoo and headed back towards the front.
THE CFS is readying a staging area at Callington to watch over the fire front which CFS last reported was travelling in a southerly direction towards Callington and Monarto.
To help with the fire fighting effort, a 45,000 litre Hillgrove Resources water tanker was brought from the Kanmantoo copper mine to help.
3.10pm
Monarto Zoo personnel say there is no immediate threat to zoo staff or animals from the fire which started at Rockleigh at 10.45 am today and which CFS say is currently travelling in a southerly direction towards Callington and Monarto.
Zoos SA spokesperson Alison Hassel said the fire is 10 kilometres away and she was not aware of any danger.
"If the fire swings we will enact our fire protocols," she said."We have sprinkler systems on the grounds and a fire truck on site. "The smaller animals are evacuated if it becomes dangerous."
The Country Fire Service has advised the bushfire at Rockleigh, in the Mount Lofty Ranges near Bremmer Valley Road formally known as Harrogate Rd, Dishers Hill Rd, Highland Rd and Old Princes Highway may threaten people's safety.
2.30pm
Fire fighters continue to try and contain a fire which started on a property at Rockleigh, 10 kilometres north of Monarto in the Mount Lofty Ranges about 10.45am this morning.
Country Fire Service spokesperson Chris Metevelis said so far the fire has burned about 600 hectares of crops and scrub. "Two hundred fire fighters, assisted by six aerial bombers are working to bring it under control," he said.
A warning has been issued that the fire near Harrogate Road could threaten people's safety. It is travelling in a South Westerly direction towards Kanmantoo. Some roads in the area are closed to allow CFS access to the fire front including Old Princess Highway, between Callinton and Monarto, Harrogate Road to Bondleigh Road and Schenscher Road to Anders Road.
Road closures are subject to change at short notice due to the dynamic nature of fire fronts.
People are warned to follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and to leave immediately if they are not prepared but only leave if the path is clear to a safe place. Well-prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety.
People are warned not to enter the area as the roads may not be safe. Stay tuned to your local radio station on a battery-powered radio for updates.
A strike team and CFS appliances have been sent to Monarto Zoo to help protect it from the uncontrolled fire..
1.50pm
A strike team has been sent to Monarto Zoo to help protect it from an uncontrolled fire which is burning out of control towards the area. More than 20 fire crews have been called to attend the fire which allegedly started at Rockleigh in a crop being worked by a header just before 11am today.
Last reports had the fire heading towards Kanmantoo before reports were issued of the danger to Monarto Zoo. The CFS has put a call out for more volunteers to help relieved the crews which are expected to work well into the night.
A Murray Valley Standard journalist in the area said the fire is currently at Disher Hill Road, north of Callington. The CFS has been unable to establish a staging ground so far but are attempting to as senior staff arrive.
12.45pm
CFS advises that the bushfire at Rockleigh in the Mount Lofty Ranges which has been raise to a Watch and Act Message is heading towards Kanmantoo. The uncontrolled fire which apparently broke out from a header working crops at Rockleigh is travelling in a south-westerly direction but CFS warn the condition were continually changing.
The Rockleigh fire is travelling in a South Westerly direction towards Kanmantoo. CFS warn residents to check and follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and if the plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave now.
12.10pm
The Country Fire Service has advised a bushfire at Rockleigh in the Mount Lofty Ranges near Critchley Road and Disher Hill Road may threaten safety. The uncontrolled fire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Callington.
A CFS spokesperson said grass and conditions at the scene were continually changing. Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan. If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave now.
Only leave if the path is clear to a safe place.
Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety but people should not enter this area as the roads may not be safe.Stay tuned to ABC 891on a battery-powered radio for updates.
12pm
CFS advises that while a fire burning at Critchley Road at Rockleigh does not currently pose a threat to life or property at this times, it does urge people in the area to follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and decide what to do if the situation changes.
Crews from Murray Bridge, Mypolonga, Palmer and Brukunga, Monarto, Callington, Tailem Bend, Ettrick, Palmer, Jervois, Mannum, Callington, summertown, Burnside, Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater, Upper Sturt, Lobethal, Coramandel Valley and Cherry Gardens are among the teams which have been called to help.
Road users are advised to use caution on the roads in the area as smoke may reduce visibility. People in the affected area are advised to close all doors and windows and stay indoors if the smoke is causing concern.
For information about bushfires, check the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au or call the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.
11am
Country Fire Service crews from Murray Bridge, Mypolonga, Palmer and Brukunga are on the scene of a fire near Critchley Road at Rockleigh. Two water bombers have been called to help deal with the fire which reportedly started by a header in crops.
People in the area need to be aware of the fire and are advised to monitor local conditions and listen for further updates on ABC 891AM using a battery-powered radio.
