There is a grass and scrub fire near Parawa on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

The fire is burning in a pine plantation, road side vegetation, scrub and creek line vegetation.

It is approximately 200 hectares in size and travelling slowly along vegetation lines in a southerly direction, in difficult terrain, and being driven by strong, erratic winds.

CFS, DEW and SA Forestry crews are fighting the fire that is burning both within the Waitpinga Conservation Park and areas to the south, near Tunkallila Road, Illawong Road and Rymill Road.

Approximately 120 firefighters are on scene and experiencing challenging conditions.

Activity will escalate in the area with a planned shift change from 3pm.

Northerly wind gusts of up to 70 km/h are being experienced on the fireground with an expected weather change shifting winds to the West North West at 5pm this afternoon.

A severe weather warning has been issued for conditions preceeding the change, with wind gusts of up to 100 km/h predicted. 

Following the change residents in the Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor and Middleton areas may begin to smell and see smoke from this fire.

Residents with respiratory issues are encouraged to close windows and doors, and stay inside, prior to the change arriving.

Roads have been closed due to this incident. A full list of current road closures is available online.

For updates visit the CFS website or phone the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.