Patients evacuated in SA as fire looms

A large SA bushfire continues to burn out of control in the Southern Flinders Ranges, causing six hospital patients to be relocated.

Six patients have been evacuated from a South Australian hospital and there are unconfirmed reports of property losses as a fire continues to burn out of control at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

The fire, which has been burning for three weeks, has burnt more than 2000 hectares in the past 24 hours, the CFS said.

CFS spokesman Neil Charter said up to 130 personnel are battling the blaze but reports of a property loss are unconfirmed.

An emergency warning remains current for the region.

The fire is travelling in an easterly and north-easterly direction towards Beetaloo, Beetaloo Valley, Laura, Stone Hut, Wirrabara Township and Wirrabara Forest.

The CFS says there is a risk to homes and life.

Heavy smoke was making it difficult for authorities to gather intelligence, Mr Charter said.

"There was an unconfirmed report of a possible asset loss in the Beetaloo Valley," Mr Charter said.

He said six patients had been relocated from Laura Hospital to Crystal Brook Hospital, but reports the entire Laura Hospital had been evacuated were incorrect.

"They haven't evacuated.

"It was six patients being relocated."

Residents are being urged to check and follow their bushfire survival plans.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


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