Panoramic view from Cleland Wildlife Park overlooking the Adelaide Hills and city skyline, with a flock of birds flying above a dense canopy of trees under a partly cloudy sky

Prescribed burn on Kangaroo Island

Date posted: 30 Apr. 2026

A prescribed burn is planned on Kangaroo Island on Friday, weather conditions permitting.

The prescribed burn will start at 11.30am Friday, May 1 in Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area (WPA). Flames and smoke will be visible within the burn area for several days.

  • The area to be burnt is 321.2 hectares approximately 15km south of Playford Highway, west of West End Highway and north of East Melrose track.
  • The main ignition period is set to be completed by 6pm Friday, May 1, but the burning will continue for several days.
  • Aircraft will be used to help deliver and manage this burn.
  • The aim of this burn is to reduce the fuel load within the WPA and to allow for possible further large-scale prescribed burns in the future.
  • East Melrose Track will be closed throughout the burn.
  • Smoke will be visible in the area, particularly from the West End Highway.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) crews will remain on site until safe.

NPWS conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity.

Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.

Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.

For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the Prescribed Burns website page.

You can also subscribe for updates on prescribed burns straight to your inbox.

Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country

The state government acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Nations of the lands and waters we live and work upon and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

We work in partnership with the First Peoples of South Australia and support their Nations to take a leading role in caring for their Country.