Charlotte Varcoe
A FIRE which burnt almost 30 hectares of forest plantations at Glenburnie has been declared as not suspicious or deliberate by crime scene investigators.
Emergency services first responded to the blaze at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Ten Country Fire Service (CFS) trucks, and a number of forestry fire trucks, attended the emergency along with four bomber planes and two helicopters.
CFS regional commander for the Limestone Coast, John Probert warned community members in the surrounding area to remain vigilant as volunteers continued to keep the area under control.
“The fuel from the fire will continue to burn for a number of days yet and we need people to remain aware there is a fire in a forest area in their area and they need to ensure their prep work is undertaken,” Mr Probert said.
“A good example of this is the Glenburnie fire from last week where properties had cleaned up the area, allowing for a reduced impact.
“Good preparation is important and being aware of what is happening around us is critical.”
Mr Probert said residents from Mount Gambier and surrounds were this week able to see a plume of smoke from the plantation fire due to the nature of the fuel.
“Due to the fire being in a pine forest there was a lot more smoke visible across Mount Gambier,” he said.
“Forest fire fuel loads are heavy and make the smoke heavier and thicker due to unburnt fuel.”
The Glenburnie plantation fire was the third fire within recent weeks following the Crater Lakes blaze and the recent fire at Glenburnie.
“These three fires should be a wake-up call for Mount Gambier residents,” Mr Probert said.
“We are not at the end of fire danger season and people need to be aware of that until we have some good rain which will be a while away.”
Congratulating volunteers over recent weeks, Mr Probert said they were tired yet dedicated to helping their communities.
“Our volunteers keep coming back and doing the job they do despite being tired,” he said.
“This is a real testament to their dedication that they keep going on even when they are just about on their knees.
“Everyone is tired but we keep on going and will continue to do so until the fire season is over.”
Police said investigations are ongoing regarding the fire at Glenburnie.
A statement from police said: “As the result of assessment made by Crime Scene Investigators, in collaboration with CFS Fire Cause Investigators, Police are satisfied the cause of the fire is not suspicious or deliberate.
“Investigations are continuing to account for people who were in the area prior to the fire.
“Police appeal to anyone who has information about the fire, or was present in the pine forest south of Princes Highway Glenburnie and east of Vorwerk/Caroline Road between 3pm and 4.30pm to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
