**Leave now warning issued for uncontrolled Willunga bushfire**
An emergency warning has been issued for residents in the areas surrounding Willunga, located in South Australia, as an uncontrollable bushfire continues to spread. The fire, first reported on the afternoon of 20 January 2024, is situated near the intersection of Trennery Road and Gaffney Road and has been categorised as an “emergency warning” by the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS). This is the highest warning level issued by the organisation and indicates that there is immediate danger to lives and properties.
Authorities have stated that the fire is moving rapidly in a south-easterly direction under forecasted high temperatures and strong winds, contributing to challenging and volatile fire conditions. It has been confirmed by the CFS that the bushfire is burning out of control, and firefighting crews are currently unable to contain its progression. As a result, people in the affected area have been advised to activate their bushfire survival plans immediately and leave if it is safe to do so. The CFS has cautioned that staying in the area could place lives at grave risk, particularly as fire crews may not be able to provide assistance to everyone due to the scale and movement of the fire.
The CFS has also confirmed reports of thick smoke across the Willunga region and the surrounding Adelaide Hills, leading to reduced visibility on roads. Motorists have been advised to avoid the area if possible and find alternative routes to minimise congestion and allow emergency responders better access to the affected zones. As of now, several roads in and around Willunga have been closed to facilitate the safe movement of firefighting units.
In an official statement issued Saturday evening, the South Australian Police have urged residents to heed all warnings and leave immediately if advised to do so. Police representatives have clarified that residents will not face legal consequences for abandoning properties, and prioritising personal safety should be paramount. The South Australian emergency services hotline has been inundated with calls, primarily inquiries regarding safe evacuation routes, temporary shelter locations, and updates on the fire’s progression.
As the situation remains dynamic, the exact number of properties under threat is unclear. It has also not been confirmed whether there have been any injuries or fatalities linked to the blaze. Emergency services are actively working on assessing the scale of the damage and providing updates to residents. Temporary evacuation centres are reported to have been established, including one in McLaren Vale, roughly 10 kilometres south of the fire zone. While detailed information about the conditions or capacity at these centres is lacking, individuals evacuating the area are advised to keep essential items such as identification, water, medication, and mobile devices with them.
The air quality in the wider Adelaide area has been reported to deteriorate significantly as a result of the smoke plume emanating from the blaze. Health authorities have urged vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly, to take precautions such as staying indoors with windows and doors closed. Weather experts have predicted continued dry and windy conditions into the nocturnal hours, which are likely to exacerbate the difficulty of containing the fire. A state-wide total fire ban remains in place amid increasing fire danger ratings.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas has indicated his full support for the ongoing firefighting efforts. In a brief media interaction earlier today, the Premier thanked firefighters and emergency responders for their work under incredibly dangerous conditions. Members of the Country Fire Service, Metropolitan Fire Service, South Australia Police, and volunteers from local organisations are all actively contributing to evacuation, traffic control, and firefighting operations. No further comment from the Premier’s office is available at this time.
Community groups in nearby towns have reportedly begun providing support to evacuees, including offering accommodation and basic supplies for those forced to leave their properties on short notice. Charities and non-profit organisations in the state have issued calls for donations to support both the fire response and displaced residents.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, according to a South Australian Police spokesperson, but no conclusive evidence regarding the ignition source has been released. Historical research into similar bushfire incidents in the region has shown that such fires are commonly sparked by natural causes, such as lightning strikes, or by human activity, both deliberate and accidental. However, until investigation authorities provide conclusive information, the circumstances surrounding this specific fire remain unknown.
Members of the public have been reminded to remain vigilant and monitor official emergency information sources for continual updates about the fire and warnings. Local and interstate media outlets, emergency service websites, and the official CFS Bushfire Information Hotline are providing regular updates on the situation. Residents have been discouraged from relying solely on social media platforms for information unless it is verified through credible and recognised sources.
Bushfires are not uncommon in South Australia during the summer months, particularly in regions such as the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, where vegetation can become highly flammable under extended periods of dry weather. Climate experts have suggested that the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions may pose ongoing challenges for fire management efforts in the future, although such statements remain outside the scope of verified details about the current fire.
Given the enduring uncertainty as crews continue battling the fire, individuals are encouraged to comply with evacuation orders and support emergency personnel by cooperating with instructions and providing adequate space for operations. Further updates are expected to be released through formal press briefings and online platforms as additional information is confirmed.
References:
Original article – https://glamadelaide.com.au/leave-now-warning-issued-for-uncontrolled-willunga-bushfire/
South Australian Country Fire Service – cfs.sa.gov.au
South Australian Police Media Unit – police.sa.gov.au
South Australian Bureau of Meteorology – bom.gov.au
Emergency Services information hotline – sa.gov.au