Country Fire Service crews on Kangaroo Island are continuing their effort to contain a grass and scrub fire near De Mole River, 40kms west of Parndana.

The fire started on Investigator Way at around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, and burnt in a North Westerly direction to the coast through an area known locally as Covenys Gully, just East of Cape Forbin.

Whilst the fire is expected to burn for a number of days, crews are using a combination of dozers and back burning in an effort to contain the fire and minimise the spread of the fire.

Particular concerns around this fire relate to the potential ecological impacts. The fire is burning in one of the few remaining key habitats for the critically endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo and KI Dunnart, after much of their habitat was burnt out in last Summer's fire. The CFS is liaising closely with ecologists from the Department for Environment and Water to identify how to best control the spread of fire in this area with a view to protecting as much of the habitat as possible.

Whilst the fire currently poses little threat to life and property, warning messages do remain in place and residents are advised to remain vigilant, continue checking for information and to follow their bushfire survival plan.

At this stage little information is known about the size of the fire. An observation helicopter has been dispatched from the mainland this morning, and will be tasked to map the fire and is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera to aid ground crews in identifying areas of higher intensity and hot spots near the fires edge.

No roads have been closed around this incident, however this may change at short notice. Continue to monitor www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety/road-closures.

Despite this, to ensure your safety, that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary. Hazards may include reduced visibility due to smoke, fallen trees blocking roads and emergency vehicles operating in the area.

For updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.

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