Adelaide Hills Bushfire 95% Under Control: Australian Fire Service

The fire which began on Friday and spread over some 150 miles, has damaged about 32 houses, while trees, power lines and debris have blocked local community members from returning to their properties, according to a statement issued by the Australian Country Fire Service.

MOSCOW, January 7 (Sputnik) — A bushfire that has spread over 12,000 hectares of the Adelaide Hills region of Australia since last week has been almost fully contained, the Country Fire Service (CFS) said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The CFS is advising that 95% of the fire perimeter is contained. On-ground crews will continue to strengthen control lines and monitor the fire perimeter for some time,” a statement posted on the fire service’s website said.

The CFS however warned that some smoldering ground could still ignite ground not affected by the fire, which expected rains may not be able to cool.

According to the statement, the fire which began on Friday and spread over some 240 kilometers (150 miles), has damaged about 32 houses, while trees, power lines and debris have blocked local community members from returning to their properties.

Dozens of people, including firefighters, have been hospitalized for fire-related injuries, and livestock have died, according to local media reports.

The past year has seen Australia experience one of the country's hottest summers. The Adelaide bushfire is considered South Australia's worst in over 30 years.