The Limestone Coast was battered by a series of storm fronts rolling across the region earlier this week, sparking more than 130 fires and knocking out electricity to thousands of residents.
Fire crews were kept busy responding to fires started by dry lightning, with firefighters actually stopping to extinguish other blazes while enroute to other taskings.
At the height of the storm a person was struck by lightning near Millicent, while hundreds of homes and businesses were left without power for more than 24 hours.
Emergency services were called to Rocky Camp just before 10pm on Monday, following reports of an electrocution.
A SA Ambulance Service spokesperson said the 36-year-old was struck by lightning near Millicent during the storm and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A CFS spokesperson said the storms, which started rolling through late on Monday afternoon, led to volunteer firefighters being called out to more than 130 incidents, predominantly fires sparked by lightning.
“Nearly all of our 68 brigades and trucks in the South East region have been actively responding to these calls throughout the night and into the early morning,” the spokesperson said.
“Fires are burning in hard-to-reach areas including pine plantations.
“Our volunteer firefighters have done an excellent job to save one house and a shed overnight.
“While there is no immediate threat to lives and property, while these fires are ongoing, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and stay informed.
“We greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, Farm Fire Units, Department of Environment and Water and Forest Industry Brigade firefighters.”
Lightning sparked several larger fires including in a haystack at Kalangadoo, and two scrub blazes within the Ngarkat Conservation Park.
The fires, at Mount Rescue and Piggery Track within the Ngarkat Conservation Park, were battled by approximately 46 CFS volunteers on 24 trucks, supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel.
The crews have been actively working to contain the fire and minimise the impacts to the conservation park.
Crews were also supported by a number of aircraft and heavy machinery.
Both fires are not yet under control and are expected to burn for several days, covering a combined area of approximately 9300 hectares.
The spokesperson said heavy machinery created a mineral earth break around the Mount Rescue fire, which is burning southwest of the conservation park.
A mineral earth break has also been constructed around the Piggery fire.
“The excellent efforts of firefighters have proven effective in protecting the critical habitat of the nationally endangered Mallee Whipbird and Mallee Emu Wren,” the spokesperson said.
“Prescribed burn programs previously undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service have also played a crucial role in controlling these fires, assisting ground crews in halting the forward rate of spread.”
Roads have been closed due to this incident, including the Ngarkat Highway between Mallee Highway and West McCallum Road.
It is unknown when roads will be reopened.
Visit traffic.sa.gov.au for more information on road closures.
Ngarkat Conservation Park is closed to the public until further notice.
The CFS spokesperson said the storms also sparked a scrub fire at Reedy Creek near Kingston.
“Nineteen CFS volunteer firefighters on six trucks worked throughout the night (Tuesday) to strengthen control lines. Control lines are barriers used to stop or prevent the spread of a fire,” the spokesperson said.
“Twenty CFS volunteer firefighters are currently on scene to continue to work to extinguish the fire and continue to maintain control lines ahead of predicted warmer weather in the coming days.
“Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.”
OneFortyOne crews also responded to fires in its forests, other growers’ forests, farming properties, and native forest reserves.
A OneFortyOne spokesperson said crews “did a great job under intense conditions, with thousands of lightning strikes recorded”.
“Please avoid entering forest areas and stay informed via SA Country Fire Service Updates and CFA (Country Fire Authority),” the spokesperson said.
In other news, on Monday night 16 CFS volunteers on four trucks, supported by Forest Industry Brigade firefighters, were called to a blaze burning in a pine plantation in the Caroline forest near Yahl.
The storms also caused havoc across the border, with Lake Mundi and Strathdownie particularly hard hit.
