The Ravine fire on Kangaroo Island has officially been declared as safe by the Country Fire Service after being sparked by lightning on 30 December. 

The fire was previously declared as under control on 31 January after significant rainfall. Since then firefighters have been using thermal imaging equipment to identify places where fire continued to burn under the ground. They have also been monitoring potential hot spots.

CFS Chief Officer Mark Jones says that more than 2000 CFS volunteers were involved in fighting the fires, alongside other agencies.

During the fire two lives were lost, 89 homes were destroyed along more than 52 000 livestock, mainly sheep. The fires also had a devastating effect on the island’s wildlife. More than 210 606 hectares were burnt, approximately 48 per cent of the island.

In comparison, a fire on the island in 2007 destroyed 95 000 hectares.

Mr Jones says the state has endured the worst fire season in years and possibly ever. He warns that the fire season is by no means compete yet and that people need to remain vigilant and alert.