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National

Bushfire threat level downgraded but blaze near Port Lincoln expected to burn for days

Water bombers have assisted crews on the ground in battling the blaze.

Crews continue to battle a bushfire near Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula that has sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air.

An emergency warning had been issued for the fire burning near Stamford Drive on Thursday afternoon.

However, the warning was downgraded on Thursday night to an advice message.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) said people in the area should stay alert and monitor local conditions, with the fire expected to burn for several days.

Country Fire Service firefighters respond to a bushfire near Port Lincoln. (ABC News: Jodie Hamilton)

Crews had previously been concerned about a wind change pushing the fire towards the township of Port Lincoln. 

But the conditions ended up becoming more favourable for firefighting efforts, and the blaze has now been contained to about 113 hectares.

The latest update from the CFS, issued just before 6pm, said there was no immediate threat to people at this time.

Firefighters are still working to fully contain the fire, which began in scrub south of Port Lincoln and burned towards Proper Bay.

A wind change is expected across the fire ground that may push sparks and embers into the north-western outskirts of Port Lincoln, and residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant. 

The fire reached the local waste management facility and the CFS said a significant amount of thick, potentially hazardous smoke is drifting across the area as a result.

The CFS urged the community to stay inside, limit movement around the area and close all windows and doors.

"There are obviously concerns that the smoke coming from the dump is toxic," CFS deputy state controller Brenton Hastie said.

The CFS said the smoke would likely continue to impact a wider area of the lower Eyre Peninsula overnight.

The CFS issued an updated watch and act message on Thursday afternoon. (ABC News: Jodie Hamilton)

Asset losses expected, CFS says

Mr Hastie said the cause of the fire was under investigation.

About 84 firefighters have been working on the blaze and eight aircraft, including fire bombers, are also assisting the efforts.

Mr Hastie said there were no reports of any homes lost at this stage.  

"I'd still expect to see some level of assets lost in the industrial area," he said.

The CFS says an expected wind change this afternoon may cause the fire to change directions. (ABC News: Jodie Hamilton)

Mr Hastie said crews have made some "really good progress" and said the intensity of the head of the fire had reduced.

"The intensity has dramatically reduced, which is really, really good," he said.

"And the spread of the bushfire is limited at the moment to the eastern and western flanks."

The temperature reached a top of 40.3 degrees Celsius in Port Lincoln this afternoon.

Port Lincoln resident Robbie Chester took this photo of the blaze, which is emitting plumes of smoke. (Facebook: Robbie Chester)

Staff and students from the Lincoln Gardens Primary School were evacuated, as were workers and animals at the RSPCA shelter at Port Lincoln. 

A number of roads have been closed as a result of the fire including New West, Western Approach, Pine Freezer, Proper Bay and Barley roads as well as Yandra Terrace.

More than 80 firefighters are working on the blaze. (ABC News: Jodie Hamilton)

Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov earlier told ABC Radio Adelaide's Sonya Feldhoff that her property was under threat and said her thoughts were with all of those impacted.

"As a community we really need to embrace each other," she said.

Ms Mislov urged people in the area to listen to the CFS warnings.

"Please just listen to the services and do the best you can, support each other and stay out of the way," she said.

A giant smoke plume rises behind homes on Edward Street. (Facebook: Madz Anderson)

Locals on social media expressed concern about onlookers clogging roads needed by people evacuating and emergency services.

"Try and stay away from that zone, leave it clear for the emergency services, they will handle that," Port Lincoln Council CEO Matt Morgan said.

"As this unfolds, it's likely there will be some activation for potentially a relief centre that people can go to but we haven't had word of that yet."

The fire has caused smoke to drift in a wide area across Port Lincoln.

The City of Port Lincoln has activated a "care and comfort zone" at the Kirton Point Bowling Club for anyone seeking refuge.

The Port Lincoln RSL also said its site, on Hallett Place opposite Centenary Oval, was open for those who need a place to shelter.

"For those seeking respite from the fires, the RSL will remain open for you to come and shelter. Our facilities are available to those in need," it said.

The CFS says the bushfire is burning in a south-south easterly direction. (Supplied: Mark Wright)

"Teas, coffee, cold drinks, toilets and TV all available for your comfort during this emergency."

Rebecca works at the Port Lincoln Caravan Park, about a seven-minute drive from the township, and said a lot of people were "really scared to stay".

"We're having a lot of people checking in being really worried … We had a few people who had no idea, I'm not sure how because there's smoke everywhere, but most people were concerned," she said.

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