SAES a constant presence at uncontrolled fire in South Australia
- kirranicolle
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
With a bushfire burning out of control in a township an hour south of Adelaide, Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) crews have deployed overnight to assist first responders.
The fire, located at Tooperang, near Mt Compass on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, remains uncontrolled despite the efforts of 120 on-ground volunteer firefighters with 25 trucks, more than 120 water drops and the assistance of multiple service providers to attempt to contain the blaze.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has confirmed that three structures have so far been lost.
The Salvation Army’s Response Coordinator for South Australia, Major Reno Elms, said the SAES team were working tirelessly – providing dinner to 130 personnel, then toasties and coffee throughout the night, followed by a full cooked breakfast this morning. The team then delivered lunches direct to the fire crews, and are now preparing a salad bar, burgers and chips for dinner.
He said there was a great deal of uncertainty on the ground.
“From moment to moment, we don’t know what’s happening,” Reno said. “They don’t seem to be able to contain the fire presently.”
He said despite the concerns, there was a great atmosphere of appreciation for the efforts of SAES personnel.
“People are just so, so grateful that we’re here,” Reno said. That’s been wonderful. When people have turned up in the dark and they’ve been greeted by hot coffee and toasties by the crew here, I think they’ve been a bit astounded.”
As well as The Salvation Army and CFS crews, CFS has confirmed the fire efforts are also being supported by SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, Forestry SA, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, the Department for Environment and Water, Farm Fire Units and private contractors.
Images: Facebook
In recent days and weeks, SAES personnel across Western Australia and Victoria have also been serving fire crews and evacuees, as well as those stranded by flooding on the Great Ocean Road.
Would you like to become a Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteer? Click here for more information.
