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Defence choppers bring supplies to bushfire-hit Kangaroo Island

Two army helicopters will arrive on Kangaroo Island on Monday to ship in vital supplies to remote parts of the fire-ravaged island.

Jan 13, 2020, updated Jan 13, 2020
Photo: EPA/NASA

Photo: EPA/NASA

Fires continue to burn across the island which has already lost 210,000 hectares inside a 500km fire perimeter.

The Australian Defence Force on Sunday confirmed plans to expand its presence to help with the clean-up and recovery.

A water purification system is generating 400,000 litres of water and there will be a further 12,000 litres of drinking water for locals.

Chief of joint operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said two heavy-lift Chinook helicopters will arrive on the island on Monday.

“They will operate for a couple of days to provide additional reach to enable us to provide supplies in the remoter parts of the island, principally delivering fodder and other supplies,” he said.

Travel restrictions have been lifted, but Country Fire Service incident controller Ian Tanner said non-essential travel should be avoided.

“If you do need to come here to support relatives and friends, then it’s OK to come,” he said.

“But if you don’t need to come to Kangaroo Island at this point in time, then please give us a bit longer to get this sorted.”

The SA CFS said  warmer weather and unfavourable conditions could lead to fire outbreaks and flare-ups on Monday.

“The CFS advises everyone on Kangaroo Island to be vigilant tomorrow as there may be an escalation in fire activity,” it said.

“Please monitor your local environment and be aware that fire conditions will be constantly changing throughout the day.”

-AAP

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