Bushfire Survivors Reclaim Homes South of Adelaide
Residents impacted by recent bushfires near Mount Compass, south of Adelaide, are grappling with the aftermath of devastation. The Tooperang fire ignited on Sunday afternoon, consuming over 600 hectares of land, including homes and property.
Bushfire Devastation and Evacuations
The Country Fire Service reported that the blaze likely started from a vehicle malfunction. As of now, at least three structures have been confirmed lost.
- Location: Tooperang, near Mount Compass
- Area burned: More than 600 hectares
- Structures lost: At least three confirmed, more expected
Local resident Isaac Selfe was among those who lost their homes. He spent the previous night trying to protect his property with buckets of water. Despite the loss, he expressed gratitude for the safety of his family and friends.
Personal Accounts from Survivors
Selfe shared his emotional journey, reminiscing about his 20 years in the home that held countless memories. He noted that his priorities shifted to rebuilding and restoring his life.
Another resident, Judy Rayner, evacuated with her dog and sought refuge in Mount Compass. Upon returning, she found destruction close to her home. “We just left when the fire started,” she recalled, expressing relief that she and her dog were unharmed.
Natasha Price, on holiday at Victor Harbor, received urgent evacuation alerts while at the beach. She rushed back only to discover that her home had been entirely engulfed in flames. “It looked like a war zone,” she described, highlighting the vast damage to the landscape.
Impact on the Community
Member of the community Jesse Kells reported significant land loss, stating that roughly 80% of his property was burned, though his house remained intact. He emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult time.
Ruth Mitchell, who evacuated with three horses, expressed her gratitude for the help she received from a local riding center. “We’re very lucky and thankful,” she said, as she and her horses awaited the all-clear to return home.
These experiences highlight the resilience of the community as they confront the realities of rebuilding in the wake of the fire.
