A local school has been evacuated as more than 80 firefighters battle a raging scrub fire threatening lives and homes at Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
Lincoln Gardens Primary School was closed on Thursday afternoon with students and staff relocating "safe and well" to Kirton Point Primary School.
An emergency warning has been issued for the blaze which is burning uncontrolled in scorching conditions.
Residents in Stamford Drive, Kathai Drive, Noontina Drive, Hassel Road and Pine Freezers Road were told it was too dangerous to leave.
"You are in danger. Take shelter immediately in a solid building. Do not delay. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave as the roads will not be safe," the warning said.
The Country Fire Service said 84 firefighters and 26 trucks were working on the fire supported by eight aircraft, including water bombers.
Police, ambulance crews, farm fire units and those from the National Parks and Wildlife Service were also at the scene.
Video of the fire posted to social media showed water bombing aircraft flying near houses and thick ash clouds over the area.
The emergency warning said conditions were continually changing.
The warning said firefighters were unable to prevent the blaze from spreading and people could lose power, water and phone connections.
"Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door," it said.
By 3pm, the mercury had reached 39.1C in Port Lincoln but a cooler change was moving in from the west, dropping the temperature to 36.2C within an hour.
That change was also bringing a wind shift, potentially putting other properties in danger.
