As firefighters enter a fourth day battling the Deep Creek bushfire, an outpouring of generosity is continuing across the Fleurieu Peninsula, with locals, businesses and community groups rallying around those displaced or affected.
The fire at Deep Creek National Park remains active and unpredictable, having burnt more than 3,000 hectares and continuing to burn on multiple fronts through rugged, hard-to-access terrain. Coastal winds and steep country are complicating containment efforts, with the CFS warning it may take some time to bring the fire under control.
While more than 260 firefighters, supported by aircraft and crews from multiple agencies, continue work on the fireground, community support has been flowing just as strongly behind the scenes.
Volunteers from Yankalilla Emergency Services have thanked the community for what they describe as an overwhelming level of support, with donations of food, supplies and practical help being distributed to crews working long shifts in challenging conditions. In a message posted online, the group said it had been heartening to see the community “share the love right back” with emergency service volunteers.
Support is also being extended to residents who have been forced to leave their homes or are unable to return. Free accommodation and assistance have been offered by a number of local organisations and businesses, including churches, holiday parks and farm stays, while Fleurieu Pet Pantry is helping families care for animals displaced by the fire.
The Salvation Army is now set up at the Yankalilla staging site, providing food and refreshments for crews. They have shared an updated list of items most needed today, including tinned foods such as tuna, chickpeas, beans, corn and beetroot, along with fruit cups, juice boxes and bananas. Fresh items like sliced cheese, salad vegetables, sliced meats and bacon are also in demand, as well as hamburger rolls, resealable sandwich bags and chewing gum. There is a particular need for gluten-free options, including bread, wraps, muesli bars and other suitable snacks.
Local businesses have also helped rally wider community support. Port Elliot resident Mahalia, co-owner of Sweep & Shine, called on locals to donate supplies, helping coordinate a large delivery that was taken directly to the CFS staging area at Yankalilla yesterday. Thanking the community online along with Bakers Delight, Harbour Fresh Supermarket and The Reject Shop, she said the response helped feed “hundreds of hungry men and women who are looking after our community,” describing the effort as “community spirit at its best right now.”
Other businesses have stepped up during the fire, including the Delamere General Store, which has been supporting residents and emergency services with fuel, food and essential supplies as conditions continue to change.
The Deep Creek bushfire remains active, with warnings in place and smoke likely to be visible across the region for some time. Emergency services are urging people in the area to stay informed, follow official advice and avoid fire-affected zones where possible.
For the latest information on the Deep Creek bushfire, go to the CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au or call the Information Hotline 1800 362 361.
