An emergency-level bushfire is burning out of control in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, with residents in the Kanmantoo area told to evacuate immediately. The Country Fire Service (CFS) issued the urgent warning as the blaze, which started on Tuesday afternoon, remains uncontained and poses a serious threat to lives and property.
Emergency Warning Issued for Immediate Evacuation
The CFS has declared the fire at Kanmantoo an emergency situation. The warning, which carries the highest level of urgency, instructs people in the affected area to leave now if they are not prepared to defend their homes. The fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from the intersection of Bremer Road and Chapman Road. Authorities have stated that the conditions are dangerous and the blaze is unpredictable.
For those who have decided to stay and actively defend their properties, the CFS warns it is now too late to leave. These individuals must seek shelter immediately as the fire front arrives. The service emphasises that sheltering is a last resort for survival, not a plan for defending a home.
Current Fire Details and Impact
The fire began on Tuesday, 7 January 2026. As of the latest updates, it remains uncontrolled, with firefighters from multiple CFS brigades working in difficult conditions to establish containment lines. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Key areas under threat include properties along Bremer Road and Chapman Road near Kanmantoo. Smoke from the blaze is visible across the Adelaide Hills and is likely to affect air quality in surrounding regions. Residents are advised to close their doors and windows and to keep their pets indoors if they are downwind of the fire.
Safety Advice and Community Response
The South Australian Country Fire Service has issued critical safety instructions for the community. People in the warning area should not rely on a single source for information. They are urged to monitor the CFS website, local ABC radio, and other emergency broadcasters for updates.
Road closures are in place, and motorists are warned to avoid the area entirely. Driving through smoke or near an active fireground is extremely hazardous and can impede the work of emergency services. The CFS advises that if you are caught in your car during the fire, you should park in a cleared area, stay inside the vehicle, and get down as low as possible below window level.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for all South Australians, especially those in bushfire-prone regions, to have a well-practised bushfire survival plan. The situation at Kanmantoo is evolving rapidly, and the community is urged to prioritise life over property and follow all official directives without delay.
