COUNTRY Fire Service (CFS) volunteers in the region were busy over the weekend as they battled several serious grass fires, which threatened homes near Keith and Naracoorte.
The first fire was reported at around 12.30pm on Friday, with crews responding to the blaze, which was located five kilometres from the township of Keith.
Multiple fires were then reported along the Dukes Highway between Coombe and Keith and more than 70 CFS firefighters were assisted by Department of Environment and Water crews and 50 private farm fire units.
The fire posed a threat to local communities for around three hours, with Watch and Act messages issued throughout the afternoon.
The fire jumped the Dukes Highway causing a section of the road between Coombe and Keith to be closed by emergency services while they fought the blaze.
At around 3.20pm, the CFS announced the threat posed by the fire had reduced and the road was re-opened to traffic.
However, smoke caused visibility problems for drivers in the area for much of the afternoon.
Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said early indications suggested the fires were caused by a vehicle.
At 11.45am on Sunday, CFS crews were alerted to a grass fire, which was burning on a property located on Pistol Road in Naracoorte.
A total of 12 trucks carrying 65 crew attended the fire, which threatened two nearby homes and property.
Crews were supported by four fixed-wing bombers, which undertook tactical drops on the fireground.
A CFS spokesperson said due to the quick action of CFS crews, the two houses were saved.
“However, five hectares of land, two sheds, a vehicle and a caravan were destroyed, with the damage bill estimated in excess of $100,000,” the CFS spokesperson said.
At around 5pm, crews announced the fire had been contained, however some assets and structures in the area continued to smoulder throughout the evening.
Police are conducting investigations into the fire, which they believe started by the use of an angle grinder.
They are following up with the occupant of the property as part of their investigation.
With more unfavourable weather conditions expected this week, police are reminding the community of their obligations and restrictions that apply during fire danger season.
For more information on what you can and cannot do during the Fire Danger season go to the CFS website.
