A bushfire that claimed a life and destroyed thousands of hectares of forestry plantation has been controlled by South Australia’s Country Fire Service.

Key points:

  • The Coles blaze sparked in a bluegum plantation on January 19 
  • The CFS says counselling and support is being provided to volunteers following the death of a firefighter on Friday
  • The fire has now been declared controlled

The Coles bushfire in the state’s South East sparked in hot and windy conditions on January 19.

About 3,800 hectares of land have been burnt so far.

Hundreds of firefighters from South Australia and Victoria have been involved in controlling the blaze.

Smouldering trees are continuing to burn on the Coles fireground.(Facebook: Lacepede CFS)

CFS regional duty commander Jason Druwitt said it was a “massive effort” from all involved.

“We’ve had crews from all the way across the state to come and help and assist us with this fire,” he said.

“All crews on the ground have done an amazing job to halt this fire.”

Mr Druwitt said crews were now “mopping up” the fireground.

“We’re now going through our final phase of the fire, which is the overhaul stage,” he said.

Firefighters care for wildlife impacted by the Coles fire.(Supplied: Lacepede CFS Facebook )

“Crews will be out in the fire ground … they’ll go through and secure the edges just to make sure that everything is out.”

‘A lot of shock’

Mr Druwitt acknowledged the loss and grief of the agency after the death of volunteer firefighter Louise Hincks on the fireground.

CFS volunteers pay their respects to Louise Hincks who died fighting the Coles fire, near Lucindale, January 2022. (ABC: Evelyn Manfield)

“Counsellors can come out and support our volunteers,” he said.

“There’s a lot of shock still in the agency, particularly with the members who are on the ground and the members who knew Louise.”

Dozens of CFS volunteers and crews formed a guard of honour down the South Eastern Freeway as their colleague’s body was brought back to Adelaide.

Louise Hincks, who was 44, had served with the CFS for decades.

The convoy began in Naracoorte and was travelling into the city.

CFS volunteer Louise Hincks was killed by a falling tree on the fireground on Friday afternoon. (Supplied: CFS)

“Louise was very well known across South Australia for the work that she did in assisting volunteers.

He said the other firefighter injured in the accident, a man in his 60’s, was in hospital and was expected to make a full recovery.

“Our volunteers do put themselves on the line to help and assist and stop this fire, which helps protect the communities of South Australia,” Mr Druwitt said.

Beware closed roads, falling trees

Mr Druwitt reminded residents that many roads in the area remained closed.

“Be aware of what’s happening around you.”

SA Police have begun preparing a report for the coroner. 

Posted , updated