Imagine waking up to a ‘Leave Now’ warning blaring across your community—a stark reminder that nature’s fury is at your doorstep. This is the chilling reality for residents of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where an out-of-control bushfire near Tooperang, just 10km east of Mount Compass, is forcing people to make life-altering decisions in an instant. But here’s where it gets even more urgent: the fire is spreading rapidly in a southerly direction, threatening townships like Nangkita, Mount Jagged, and Mosquito Hill, as well as critical roads such as Nangkita Road, Cleland Gully Road, and Goolwa Road. The Country Fire Service (CFS) has issued a Watch and Act warning, urging residents to evacuate immediately as conditions continue to deteriorate.
This isn’t just a fire—it’s a race against time. By 8pm, over 200 CFS volunteers were battling the blaze, supported by seven aircraft, SA Police, and SA Ambulance Service personnel. The fire, which ignited at 4:37pm, had already scorched approximately 10 hectares, and its smoke was drifting across the area, creating hazardous driving conditions. And this is the part most people miss: the CFS warns that those who stay behind may face more than just flames. Power, water, phone, and data services could be cut off as the situation escalates, leaving residents isolated and vulnerable.
For those choosing to leave, the CFS advises against delay. Smoke is reducing visibility, and roads could be blocked or closed without warning. If you find yourself trapped in your car, park away from vegetation, cover yourself, and get to the floor—windows may shatter from the intense heat. Controversially, some residents are opting to stay and defend their homes, a decision that sparks debate about personal safety versus property protection. The CFS recommends identifying a safe indoor space with multiple exits, bringing pets inside, removing flammable items, closing doors and windows, and activating sprinklers if available.
The fire’s rapid spread has raised questions about its origin. Liberal MP for Finniss, David Basham, who rushed to help friend Perrin Hicks move dairy cattle out of harm’s way, shared on Facebook that a couple of houses on Nangkita Road may have been damaged. He also speculated that the fire might have started from something burning on the back of a truck, though this remains unconfirmed. Is this a case of human error, or simply the unpredictability of nature? It’s a question that lingers as livestock and residents alike are relocated to safer ground.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: this fire is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. Residents are urged to follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and keep loved ones informed of their whereabouts. For updates, visit the CFS website or call the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361. But here’s the real question: Are we doing enough to prevent such disasters, or are we simply reacting to them? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
