SOUTH AUSTRALIA IMPORTANT CONTACTS:
Emergency: Triple zero (000)
South Australia Bushfire Information Line: 1300 362 361
For breaking reports on the South Australian bushfires check the Country Fire Service website and listen to your local radio station.
The Bangor fire, with a perimeter of 195 kilometres and more than 35,000 hectares of land burnt, has been contained.
In a statement on Facebook, the CFS said although three houses were lost, in addition to six sheds and more than 700 livestock, firefighters saved six other homes from being destroyed and there were no serious injuries.
There is now no active fire on the edges where it had previously been burning.
"Light rain has fallen in the area assisting firefighters however, the predicted heavy rainfall may hamper their efforts making some unsealed roads on the fireground hazardous for vehicles," the message read.
"About 200 firefighters, from the CFS, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and ForestrySA will remain in the area over the next few days to extinguish burning trees and stumps that continue to burn."
The CFS asked the general public to avoid entering the fireground while emergency services remain in the area to reduce the risk of being injured by falling trees which also pose a hazard.
They have also advised people in the area to report any sightings of active flames immediately if unattended, by dialling 000.
Thursday 8:30AM
Fire activity has slowed in the Bangor fire and there were no major outbreaks overnight.
The region has experienced rainfall from Wednesday evening, but a Country Fire Service spokeswoman said it did not have a significant impact on the fire.
"There has been some light rain early today (Thursday)," she said.
Further rainfall is expected in the afternoon and the CFS will evaluate the impact the rain could have on the fire later on Thursday.
Heavier rainfall is expected on Friday, but the spokeswoman said it would take a good soaking for rain to have an impact.
"We will still be working on the fire ground for weeks to come," she said.
From 9am Wednesday morning to 8am Thursday morning, the Port Pirie Airport recorded 3.8 millimeters.
Tuesday 7:30PM
The Bangor fire which has broken through control lines at North East Road, Stone Hut on the eastern side of the Ranges is travelling in a northerly direction through Emu Springs, towards Wirrabara Forest and the town of Wirrabara.
Although the fire is currently travelling towards Wirrabara, the CFS advised that residents of Stone Hut and Laura need to remain on high alert as conditions are continually changing.
300 CFS, DEWNR and Forestry SA firefighters supported by around 130 farm fire units and seven firebombing aircraft are actively engaged in combatting the fire.
Temperatures on the fireground are in excess of 40 degrees, seeing firefighters working in extreme conditions along difficult terrain.
Localised winds are pushing the fire front from the wooded range country into grassland, to the west of the Highway.
The focus is the protection of assets and grazing country, with firefighters working to hold the fire as it comes out into the grasslands.
The fire activity and smoke is visible from the local communities in the vicinity of Wirrabara, Stone Hut and Laura.
The public is advised to continue to monitor the situation through the CFS website, social media pages and media updates, as the current fire situation is dynamic and constantly changing.
Tuesday 3:15PM
A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for the Bangor fire as it burns in an easterly direction towards Stone Hut.
The Country Fire Service advised that there is a risk to lives and homes and that the uncontrolled fire is burning in scrub.
Check and follow your bushfire survival plan. Take shelter when the fire arrives and protect yourself from the fire's heat.
Tuesday 9:30AM
130 Country Fire Service and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources firefighters, supported by 125 farm fire units, successfully completed a seven-kilometre backburn overnight on the eastern flank of the fire to the west of Laura, between Wurst and Quarry Roads.
This tactic was undertaken following a number of spot fires that occurred on the eastern perimeter that caused concern as the fire moved easterly towards the Laura township.
Having already used heavy plant equipment to join the fire breaks between the scrubland and the townships yesterday, the backburn has further strengthened the control line on the eastern flank.
Firefighters are managing to hold the fire on the eastern flank, with an inspection of the southern perimeter taking place this morning to assess if control lines along the Beetaloo sector will hold when the northerly wind comes through.
The Napperby sector to the west of the fire will also be evaluated to assess the possibility of a break-out.
Firefighters will today concentrate their efforts on protecting Laura as the fire continues moving in an easterly direction, approximately 4.5 kilometres from the township.
Wind continues to be erratic across the fireground varying in strength and direction, which will pose challenges for firefighters.
Smoke emanating from the fireground is causing poor visibility and is currently affecting Highway One, Napperby, Warnertown, Neshalby and is visible around Port Pirie.
Smoke will continue to be present in these areas and the community is asked to remain vigilant and take care when on the roads.
People with respiratory and cardiac problems are advised to stay inside and close all doors and windows until the smoke has passed.
The public is advised to continue to monitor the situation through the CFS website, social media pages and media updates, as it is continually changing.
Tuesday 9AM
A fire in the Southern Flinders Ranges continues to burn out of control and a watch and act message is still in place from the Country Fire Service.
The fire is travelling in an easterly direction towards Laura, Stone Hut and Wirrabara.
The fire is not controlled and is burning in scrub and conditions are continually changing.
Monday 4:30PM
COUNTRY Fire Service Incident Controller Scott Turner advised residents that the Bangor bushfire is burning dangerously close to the townships of Laura, Gladstone and Beetaloo Valley.
In a press conference earlier this afternoon Mr Turner advised Fairfax Media that the fire was burning east towards Horrocks Highway at a speed of 500 metres per hour.
There has also been a push to the south towards Beetaloo Valley.
According to Mr Turner the ground crews are dealing with “exceptionally steep terrain” and “extreme fire conditions”.
Fire crews are unable to access parts of the fire, because of the extenuating circumstances and Mr Turner said there is some vegetation in the dense forest area which has had no management for 50 to 60 years.
But, he said they will “continue to work to reduce the spread of the fire”.
“It’s just unfortunate to see occurrences like these,” he said.
Mr Turner highlighted the fire’s intensity and erratic behaviour, with some spot fires appearing.
Monday 2:40PM
A sudden wind change has prompted the Country Fire Service to reissue a bushfire emergency warning for the blaze burning in Bangor.
The wind change has seen the fire travel back in a southerly direction towards Beetaloo Valley.
The warning:
CFS advises that a serious bushfire is burning out of control at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges near Beetaloo and Wirrabara near Mills Road, Young Road, Palmer Road, Beetaloo Valley Road, Gladstone - Beetaloo Road, Rucioch Road, Wurst Road, Hilpara Track, Kleinig Road, Lynches Road, Charcoal Road, Marner Road, Forest Road and Wirrabara Detour Roads .
The Bangor fire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Beetaloo, Beetaloo Valley, Gladstone, Stone Hut and Laura. This fire may impact on the Gladstone to Pt Pirie Road. There is a risk to lives and homes.
The uncontrolled fire is burning in forest.
A community meeting on Sunday night at the Laura Civic Centre was packed with 220 people, who looked concerned but yet prepared.
The fire had been travelling in an easterly direction towards Laura earlier in the day, but by Sunday night was travelling north towards Wirrabara.
Country Fire Service regional commander Bluey Devine told the meeting that "unfortunately yesterday the weather deteriorated again" flaring up a fire that had previously been contained.
"I have to say, throughout the duration of the fire, mother nature has not been kind to us," he said.
Mr Devine confirmed that no homes had been lost, but a shed or two had been destroyed.
He described this as a great relief and was also pleased that no loss of life had occurred.
Beetaloo Valley residents wouldn't have had much sleep between yesterday and today, Mr Devine said.
"It's been a very long night for those people," he said.
Incident controller Scott Turner was concerned that spectators watching the fire were getting in the way.
“Our concern is public safety,” he said.
“Public in cars and firefighters do not mix.”
Laura and surrounds residents Toni Bentley and Tanya Penn described the meeting as informative, while Graham Pech said he was more prepared than ever.
Three firefighters have been treated for injuries, six hospital patients have been evacuated to Crystal Brook and people have left their homes to seek assistance in nearby towns as the southern Flinders Ranges reignites in flames.
Plumes of volcanic-like smoke erupted in the hills surrounding Napperby, Laura, Stone Hutt, Wirrabara and Wirrabara Forrest just after 4pm on Saturday signalling more fire trouble for the region.
Fires in the area initially broke out on January 14 during a week of heat-wave condition and took two weeks to bring under control.
But conditions and 40+ degree temperatures combined on Saturday, igniting a new fire front.
Country Fire Service Incident Controller Scott Turner said the three firefighters were treated for fatigue and dehydration but none were hospitalised.
Mr Turner said the fire was "intense" and he expected the region would have to wait another two weeks before the fire to stop burning.
"Our goal is to contain the fire in the next 24 to 48 hours. Large areas of unburnt vegetation could take a week or two to put out," he said.
Mr Turner said said the fire front at Beetaloo, at the eastern side of the ranges was "very dangerous" because of the high fuel loads and a lack of moisture due to low rainfall.
Country Fire Service spokesperson Neil Charter said after working through the night, fire crews still were not sure what they were facing.
"We have no idea how big the fire front is – we are trying to establish this information from the air," he said.
"Until yesterday this fire was contained, but with a fire this size it can smolder and then suddenly break out."
"Fire crews have been hampered by thick smoke and we are waiting for intelligence on the size of the fire area."
Mr Charter said flames were visible from Napperby throughout Saturday night but the township was not in direct danger by Sunday morning.
"The fire was visual from the town and quite close," he said.
Reports of a number of property losses in the area was rumour, Mr Charter said.
"There has been the possible loss of one asset but nothing has been confirmed."
The plan of attack at this stage is for the fire crew is to establish a perimeter around the fire to try and stop its spread.
"Grader lines were put in around Laura last night and that seemed to help," said Mr Crafter.
"We have 130 people on the ground working from the CFS, Forestry Department and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources."
Eight people from the southern Flinders ranges have sought help at the emergency relief centre set up at the Lions Football Club at Port Pirie.
A bus was called Sunday afternoon to remove between 20 and 30 people people from the township of Laura, according to an eyewitness at the scene.
Housing SA regional manager Chris Kennett said those who had come calling for help were not distressed.
"They were people who were affected by the fire, they had evacuated from their property to seek safety. What we do, is we assess them," ," he said.
Two people have been given accommodation grants to help with immediate needs, such as food and accommodation.
Mr Kennett said staff at the relief centre have been rostered on in shifts until 5pm Monday.
"We will review that tomorrow during the day," he said.
Details: Pastoral Care services are available in Port Pirie for people needing advice or counselling. Anyone needing assistance can call the Housing SA Bushfire Recovery hotline on 1800 302 787 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Sun 8.20am
Fairfax Media understands there has been no loss of property or structure overnight.
A CFS region four spokesman said crews had been conducting asset protection throughout the fire ground overnight.
He said observation aircraft's would be doing an asset assessment this morning.
The fire is burning in the Beetaloo water catchment to the east of the hills near Laura, Stone Hutt, Wirrabara and Wirrabara Forrest.
About 150 CFS and forestry crews are working to put out the fire.
These firefighters are being heavily supported by 15 to 20 private farm units.
There are unconfirmed reports of people leaving their homes and preparing to leave.
Region four CFS volunteers are being supported by other CFS strike teams including region two and MFS firefighters.
Firefighters have generally been working 12 hour shifts from 8am to 8pm or 8pm to 8am
Police worked overnight blocking roads and also helping people to leave the fire danger area safely.
Sun 7.30am
The CFS has issued another emergency warning for the serious bushfire burning out of control in the Southern Flinders Ranges.
The fire is burning near Beetaloo and Wirrabara near Youngs Road, Palmer Road, Beetaloo Valley Road, Gladstone-Beetaloo Road, Rucioch Road, Wurst Road, Hilpara Track, Kleinig Road, Lynches Road, Charcoal Road, Marner Roar, Forest Road and Wirrabara Detour Roads.
The fire is travelling in a easterly and north easterly direction towards Beetaloo, Beetaloo Valley, Laura, Stone Hutt, Wirrabara and Wirrabara Forest.
Homes and lives are at risk and the first is uncontrolled.
It is currently 21 C in Laura.
Sun 3am
The Emergency Relief Centre at the Lions Football Club opened just before 8pm and will be open all night. The venue is staffed by two Housing SA people.
The Zone Emergency Centre at Port Pirie police station has been activated.
The CFS issued an emergency warning at 1.45am due to the severe weather conditions.
The fire is travelling in an easterly direction towards Beetaloo, Beetaloo Valley , Gladstone, Laura, Stone Hut and Wirrabara. The CFS warns lives and homes are at risk.
Sat 11pm
Fairfax Media understands that aged care residents have left the Laura Hospital as a precautionary measure if at any stage the township of Laura becomes threatened.
Many residents in Beetaloo Valley have also left their homes.
The level of damage, if any, to homes and livestock has not yet been ascertained.
A CFS new base camp has been set up at Crystal Brook.
Saturday 9.45pm
The serious Bangor Fire is burning out of control in the Southern Flinders Ranges near Beetaloo and Mills Road, Young, Palmer, Beetaloo Valley, Gladstone to Beetaloo, Rucioch, Wurst and Roads, Hilpara Track and Kleinig, Lynch and Charcoal Roads .
The fire is travelling in a South, South Easterly direction towards the settlement of Beetaloo, Beetaloo Valley, Laura, Stone Hunt and Wirrabara townships.
There is a risk to lives and homes and the uncontrolled fire is burning in scrub, the CFS state.
The CFS advises the community to check and follow their bushfire survival plan and take shelter when the fire arrives to protect from the fires heat.
They advise to only leave now if the path is clear to a safe place, and to not enter the bushfire area as the roads may not be safe.
Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety.
For information about bushfires, check the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au or call the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.
Saturday 8.35pm
The CFS has advised that the Bangor fire is burning out of control near Beetaloo Valley, Nobles Track, Rabbit Track, Davies Track, Mills Road, Quarry Road and Hilpara Track travelling in a South, South Easterly direction towards the Laura, Warnertown and Stone Hut townships
Saturday 7.00pm
The CFS is still reporting that there is a risk to lives and homes.
Fairfax Media is aware of people who have evacuated their homes due to the fire.
The CFS advised just after 6pm serious fire is burning out of control at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges, near Beetaloo Valley near Nobles Track, Rabbit Track, Davies Track, Mills Road, Quarry Road and Hilpara Track.
It is travelling in a South, South Easterly direction towards Beetaloo Valley, Laura, Stone Hut and Warnertown townships and may impact upon Hughes Gap Road, Laura-Pirie Road and Laura-Beetaloo Roads.
The CFS state the uncontrolled fire is burning in Scrub.
Saturday, 5.20pm
The CFS have issued an emergency warning for the Bangor fire, which is burning out of control near Beetaloo Valley, Nobles Track, Rabbit Track, Davies Track, Mills Road, Quarry Rod and Hilpara Track.
The fire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Beetaloo Valley, Laur, Stone Hut and Warnertown townships and may impact upon Hughes Gap Road, Laura-Pirie Road and Laura-Beetaloo Roads.
There is risk to lives and homes. Check and follow your bushfire survival plan.
Saturday, 4.45pm
The Bangor fire has flared up in the Southern Flinders Ranges, scaring many locals who are living near the area.
The Country Fire Service has advised that a serious bushfire is is burning out of control at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges near Beetaloo Valley near Nobles Track, Rabbit Track, Davies Track, Mills Road, Quarry Road and Hilpara Track .
The BANGOR fire is travelling in a Southerly direction towards Beetaloo Valley, Laura, Stone Hut and Warnertown townships and may impact upon Hughes Gap Road, Laura-Pirie Road and Laura-Beetaloo Roads. There is a risk to lives and homes.
The uncontrolled fire is burning in Scrub.
The CFS advised people to follow their bushfire survival plan and take shelter when the fire arrives to protect from the heat.
Only leave now if the path is clear to a safe place and do not enter the bushfire area as the roads may not be safe.
