Dozens of homes were feared lost as an intense bushfire raged out of control in South Australia Saturday, with fire-fighters struggling to contain the worst blaze in decades as strong winds fanned the flames. "Your life is at risk," South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill told residents of the Mount Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide, urging them to leave as the "incredibly dangerous fire" raged in rugged scrub.
"If you've decided to stay, you need to be aware that the fire will become incredibly scary and could lead you to change your mind at some point. It could be a catastrophic decision for you to leave late," he said. The blaze at Sampson Flat was spreading in all directions, sweeping rapidly from a 154 hectare area on Friday afternoon to one covering 4,741 hectares with a perimeter of 38 kilometres.
"It's a bit frightening," said Graeme Zucker who left Kersbrook near the blaze and was waiting anxiously to find out whether his home still standing. Residents of 19 towns in the Adelaide Hills, an area with a population of about 40,000 dotted with scenic villages and known for its farming produce and wineries, have been urged to leave amid the worst blaze the area has seen in decades.
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