More than 250 firefighters are battling an uncontrolled bushfire on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula as conditions remain unpredictable. The Deep Creek wildfire news has dominated headlines since the blaze started on Sunday evening, with residents urged to evacuate as flames threaten properties near Cape Jervis.
Figure 1: Firefighters battle the Deep Creek bushfire as flames threaten nearby vegetation and properties [Source: The Advertiser]
The Country Fire Service downgraded its warning to “stay informed” on Tuesday afternoon after an emergency alert overnight. Authorities saved an electricity substation and nearby homes, but concerns are rising as winds strengthen throughout the day.
Fire Conditions Remain Dynamic as Winds Pick Up
The Country Fire Service issued a “stay informed” warning on 3 February 2026 after downgrading from a “watch and act” alert overnight. Residents are being advised to monitor local conditions closely as wildfire updates 2026 indicate fire behaviour may change rapidly.
CFS state duty officer Steve Salamon told ABC Radio Adelaide that weather conditions on Tuesday were similar to Monday’s, with a top of 32 degrees Celsius. He said winds would peak around 3 pm to 5 pm and urged people to remain vigilant.
There is a chance the warning message may need to be upgraded throughout the day if conditions deteriorate. At this time, there is no confirmed threat to life or property as firefighters battle to control the fire.
The Deep Creek wildfire news confirms the bushfire remains uncontrolled and is burning in a west-northwesterly direction towards Cape Jervis, Silverton, Deep Creek and Main South Road. Conditions are continually changing across the fire ground.
People Urged to Evacuate as Deep Creek Wildfire News Escalates
The Country Fire Service increased its warning to emergency level just before 7 pm on Monday. The alert stated firefighters were unable to prevent the fire from spreading, and people urged to evacuate were told to take shelter immediately.
A spot fire caused the blaze to rapidly spread towards Main South Road and Fishery Beach Road on Monday. CFS warned the fire was burning on multiple fronts, which were all moving quickly across the area as the Deep Creek wildfire news intensified.
Figure 2: Uncontrolled fire fronts burn through grassland near Deep Creek on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula [Source: The Advertiser]
Local residents were told to take shelter in a solid building as it was too late to leave. The warning stated people were now in danger and should not delay or attempt to leave the area.
More than 250 firefighters have been working to contain the blaze and undertake asset protection for multiple structures currently under threat, as wildfire updates 2026 continue to be issued.
Wildfire Updates 2026 Show Successful Asset Protection Efforts
Wildfire updates 2026 from the Gumeracha Fire Service detailed the defence of the Cape Jervis township after crews worked through the night. Firefighters spent most of the day protecting assets, including houses, phone towers and power stations.
Late in the day, a large spot fire ahead of the main fire was burning towards the township of Cape Jervis. Thankfully, this was brought under control quickly by responding crews.
The Willunga CFS provided further wildfire updates 2026 overnight on 3 February 2026. A Willunga crew joined with other Kyeema brigades to form a strike team providing asset protection at Cape Jervis.
Crews initially provided direct protection to a house under immediate threat before repositioning to tackle the blaze from the opposite side of the gully. This strategy helped prevent the fire from making a run toward a nearby power substation.
Road Closures and Ferry Services Disrupted
Main South Road is closed westbound between Cole Road and Cape Jervis as of Tuesday morning. There are also closures on Range Road near Three Bridges Road to Cole Road.
The SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island is out of action on Tuesday morning. The 5.30 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am and 10.30 am services departing Pennishaw will not be operating as people are urged to evacuate and adjust travel plans.
Figure 3: Burnt landscape and smouldering vegetation following fire activity near Deep Creek National Park [Source: The Advertiser]
Services departing Cape Jervis at 6 am, 7 am, 9 am and 10 am are not operating. Passengers are advised to check for updates before travelling to the terminal.
A CFS staging area is operating at the Yankalilla Showgrounds. Yankalilla Oval is being used for aviation operations, and the public has been asked to stay clear of these areas.
Fire Started Sunday Evening in Steep Terrain
The Deep Creek fire started on Sunday evening and continues to burn uncontrolled as crews battle steep and inaccessible terrain. Several hotspots have been identified and continue to generate fire activity.
Firefighters are working to suppress those areas; conditions remain dynamic. The fire is not yet contained and is expected to remain that way for an extended period.
Numerous assets have been threatened by the fire since it started, but there are no reports of loss or damage. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined as investigations continue.
CFS warned the fire was putting a lot of smoke up, extending across Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula area. Residents who suffer from respiratory or cardiac conditions should take precautions and consider closing doors and windows.
Parks Closed as Firefighting Continues
The western part of Deep Creek National Park remains closed, while Talisker Conservation Park is fully closed. Visitors are asked to avoid these areas until further notice.
Crews from the CFS, Department for Environment and Water, and Forestry SA will continue operations throughout the week. Aerial firefighting operations are also underway to support ground crews.
Figure 4: Night-time view of the Deep Creek bushfire burning across rugged terrain as crews work to contain the blaze [Source: ABC News]
People have been reminded that drones pose a serious hazard to firefighting aircraft. Drones must be kept well away from fire grounds to ensure the safety of aerial operations.
More information on the fire condition will be provided by the CFS when it becomes available. Residents are urged to monitor the CFS website and Bushfire Information Hotline for updates.
Final Thoughts
Deep Creek wildfire news continues to evolve as firefighters work around the clock to protect properties and contain the blaze. With more than 250 personnel on the ground and aerial support overhead, authorities are doing everything possible to manage the uncontrolled fire.
People urged to evacuate should follow CFS warnings closely and have a bushfire survival plan ready. As wildfire updates 2026 demonstrate, conditions can change rapidly, and residents must remain prepared to act quickly if the situation deteriorates.
FAQs
Q1. What is the current warning level for the Deep Creek fire?
Ans. The warning was downgraded to “stay informed” on Tuesday afternoon, but residents should monitor conditions as this may change.
Q2. How many firefighters are battling the Deep Creek blaze?
Ans. More than 250 firefighters from across South Australia are working to contain the fire.
Q3. Are any roads closed due to the Deep Creek fire?
Ans. Main South Road is closed westbound between Cole Road and Del Amere to Cape Jervis, and Range Road near Three Bridges Road to Cole Road is also closed.
Q4. When did the Deep Creek fire start?
Ans. The fire started on Sunday evening and continues to burn uncontrolled.
