Bushfire rips through parts of South Australia, with New South Wales being put on high alert

South Australia’s south-east region has been bulldozed by a bushfire which has seen a host of homes and other buildings be left destroyed, with New South Wales being left on high alert for any blazes, while the current threat in Victoria is easing.​

Conditions have improved recently, but despite that, an out-of-control blaze threatened several homes near Benalla in northern Victoria on the 7th January, with residents being told to leave immediately. 

There was adegree of worry on the 7th as the grassfire causing issues was heading towards properties in Winton and Glenrowan West, after firefighters found themselves unable to prevent it from crossing Wattle Creek Road.

However, shortly after that, their worries were eased after fire crews managed to get the blazed under control. 

“Firefighters have been able to stop the spread of the fire. Staying close to shelter is the safest option, in case conditions change again suddenly. Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions,” the emergency update said.

Prior to it being contained early on the 7th January, the Sherwood fire in South Australia had ploughed through 12,100 hectares of scrub and farmland, according to the Country Fire Service.

“A number of homes and structures have been lost in the blaze, which started just after 1pm yesterday,” the CFS said.

Nick Stanley, the duty commander, stated however that the damage assessement teams were still on the fire ground, and as such, were unable to fully determine the extent of both asset and stock losses. Thankfully there were no reports of any serious injuries, and police are investigating the cause of the fire. 

“Yesterday’s Sherwood fire was a reminder of how quickly fire under severe to catastrophic weather conditions can get out of control,” Stanley said. 

“Due to the severe weather conditions, firefighters on the ground had to work defensively to protect assets until the fire conditions were safe enough for them to begin offensive operations.”