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Authorities have issued an emergency warning message as a bushfire burns out of control at Montacute in the Adelaide Hills.
The Country Fire Service has advised it is now unsafe to leave the area and to take shelter in a solid building.
“Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot,” the alert said.
“Conditions are dangerous and firefighters are now unable to prevent the fire spreading.
“Shelter before the fire arrives as heat can kill you well before the flames reach you.”
The alarm was first raised around 11am on Saturday along Gorge Rd.
The fire is moving south to south-easterly and has spread approximately five hectares, reaching the top of a ridge.
It is understood stock is burning but no properties are under threat.
Road closures are in place including on Gorge Rd, Coulls Rd and Corkscrew Rd.
SA Police is asking motorists to avoid the area if possible.
On Friday, the CFS issued a complete fire ban across South Australia as some of the state braces for extreme summer conditions.
The ban applies to the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Upper South-East and the Lower South-East districts for 24 hours starting from midnight January 14 to midnight January 15.
The forecast fire danger rating is extreme as the CFS has predicted very hazardous fire weather conditions.
The authority is recommending those in an at-risk fire zone implement their Bushfire Survival Plan.
“Only well prepared, well constructed and actively defended houses are likely to offer safety during a fire,” the CFS fire ban alert read.
“If you don’t have a plan to ensure your survival, leaving early before a fire starts is your safest option.
“In making your plan, you should be aware that in high fire danger conditions, essential services including mains-fed electricity and water supply may not be available due to the prevailing weather conditions.”
Anyone seeking extra information is urged to contact the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
The Bureau of Meteorology explained the conditions are dry and hot with north to north-westerly winds.
Metropolitan Adelaide and Mount Gambier are forecast to reach 38C, while temperatures will soar higher towards the north and east with Port Augusta and Renmark set to reach 42C.
Further west, temperatures are less severe with Port Lincoln and Ceduna both expecting temperatures in the low 30s.
A fresh, gusty south to south-westerly change extending from the west will cool the state down ahead of more mild conditions tomorrow.
Some isolated thunderstorms developing across the state from the late morning could provide some relief.
A heatwave warning previously issued for the North West Pastrol District has been cancelled.
BOM advised the severe conditions have eased in the west of the state, however maximum temperatures in the low to mid forties and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid to high twenties will continue.
Originally published as ‘Take shelter’: CFS issues emergency warning as bushfire burns at Montacute in Adelaide Hills
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