Fears Kangaroo Island bushfire could once again breach containment lines

Rising temperatures and strong winds have increased the risk of a bushfire still burning on Kangaroo Island breaching containment lines for a second time.

A general view of the damage done to the Flinders Chase National Park after bushfires swept through Kangaroo Island. Source: AAP

Kangaroo Island residents are bracing for another day of severe fire risk with fears the major blaze will jump containment lines and surge a second time.

The fire has already destroyed 160,000 hectares including most of the famed Flinders Chase National Park.

A total fire ban has been declared across the island on Thursday as both temperatures and winds rise, adding to the fire risk.

A general view of the Flinders Chase Visitors Office after bushfires swept through on Kangaroo Island. Source: AAP

As a precaution, police and the Country Fire Service evacuated the town of Vivonne Bay on the south coast amid fears homes could not be protected should the fire move quickly into the area.

Made up of mostly holiday shacks, it's believed fewer than 100 people live there at any given time.

Police went door to door, calling on residents to head for Kingscote or Penneshaw, but some still chose to stay.

Those who left will not be allowed to return until Friday, but only if it is then deemed safe.

"This is a pre-emptive relocation due to the increased fire risk," the CFS said.

South Australian Police officer Elliie Scutchings is seen at Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island. Source: AAP

"Currently, there is no immediate threat to life or property but with increasing wind, warmer weather and going fires on Kangaroo Island, this situation is likely to change."

Vivonne Bay was only just spared last week, when fire roared through the western third of the island, burning 160,000 hectares and destroying 56 homes.