Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

At least one home destroyed by Port Lincoln bushfire, as locals assess damage

The bushfire reached Rohan Freeman's back door. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

Port Lincoln residents are assessing the damage the day after a bushfire broke out near the town, threatening lives and homes.

An initial emergency warning for the fire, which broke out near Stamford Drive on Thursday afternoon, was later downgraded after crews managed to contain the blaze.

Crews continue to battle hotspots on the 143-hectare fireground, as well as a fire at the local dump that is causing potentially hazardous smoke to drift across the area.

While authorities have yet to fully assess the extent of the damage, the Country Fire Service (CFS) expects that six structures have been impacted including at least one home lost.

Daniel Woodward lost everything in the bushfire. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

The fire came through so quickly, Daniel Woodward had little time to collect belongings before his house was destroyed.

Mr Woodward said he was at work when he received a phone call from a friend who saw the fire approaching.

He rushed home and managed to grab his dogs and motorcycle and left before the fire took hold of his property.

"Before I knew it, she was gone," he said.

Mr Woodward returned to the site of the house he shares with his dad to assess the damage.

"I'm alive, my old man's alive, the dogs are good so just trying to keep positive," he said.

A number of cars his dad, a panelbeater, was working on have also been lost.

Daniel Woodward's home was lost in the bushfire. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

He said it was an "emotional" time but he was grateful for the work of firefighters and the support of the community. 

"I'm overwhelmed by just everyone that's sent me a message, gave me a call," he said.

"[It's a] great community."

The full extent of the damage caused by the fire is still being assessed. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

Others in the community were luckier and their homes were able to be saved, despite some close calls.

Rohan Freeman was on his way home when he received a phone call from his wife saying the area was on fire.

"It was a bit hard to know what was really going on," he said.

Mr Freeman's wife quickly left with their newborn and one-year-old and watched the flames through the thick smoke from a safe area.

"They watched what they thought was the house burning down," he said.

More than 80 Country Fire Service firefighters battled the blaze throughout Thursday. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

The fire reached the back door of their home and caused damage to their shed.

"We're thankful for the firefighters, they put it out before it got too close to the house — but close enough," he said.

"So we're pretty grateful that we've still got it all here to keep a roof over our head for now."

Mr Freeman said his house was under construction and builders were already keen to get back to work.

"They just rang up if there's a house to continue building on for tomorrow," he said.

Annette Harder's property was damaged by yesterday's fires, but overall she feels lucky. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

Annette Harder said the fire jumped the road and "off it went", with the fire's "huge front" and numerous spot fires making work difficult for crews.

"I was at the fruit and veg shop and I looked across and saw a fair bit of smoke and I thought, 'Oh no not again'," she said.

Ms Harder's racehorses were evacuated and a few of her fences were damaged but overall, she felt "pretty lucky".

"Everything's come out alright," she said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.