Strong winds are expected to fan South Australia's worst bushfire in 30 years as the Adelaide Hills brace for a third day of devastation.
The out-of-control Sampson Flat fire in the Mount Lofty Ranges is feared to have destroyed dozens of homes and burnt out more than 11,000 hectares of scrub and farmland since Friday afternoon and no relief is in sight for Sunday.
Although temperatures are forecast to be lower on Sunday, winds will keep fire crews and residents fighting desperately to save lives and property.
At least 19 communities remain under threat and Premier Jay Weatherill has warned residents to be vigilant as the western front of the fire burns within 30km of the city centre.
"I think there are more losses than that from what I've been able to get from my people, but they're not at the stage where we can put an exact number on it."
"There should be no sense of relief because the temperatures are somewhat lower and there are spots of rain about," Mr Weatherill said.
"The situation remains extremely dangerous."
After nudging 40C on Saturday, Adelaide is expected to hit a high of 31C on Sunday.
Country Fire Service chief officer Greg Nettleton said the wind changes may cause the fire to break out of the northwest edge of the blaze, which has a massive perimeter of 158 kilometres.
More than 200 firefighters were working overnight to protect townships including Kersbrook and Mount Crawford to the east and Birdwood to the south.
Lives are at risk in communities in a large swathe of land south of Sampson Flat, stretching from Upper Hermitage, Inglewood and Houghton to Lobethal and Charleston.
At least five homes and several sheds have been confirmed lost but the CFS has said there may be dozens of homes destroyed.
"I think there are more losses than that from what I've been able to get from my people, but they're not at the stage where we can put an exact number on it," Mr Nettleton said.
Thirteen CFS volunteers have been injured while fighting the blaze.
Mr Nettleton said the blaze may not be contained until early next week, with extreme weather making it difficult to contain.
The CFS is focusing efforts on ensuring the fire is under control before Wednesday, when more hot and windy weather is forecast.
