As firefighters battle the Deep Creek bushfire for a fifth consecutive day, community support is continuing to flow for residents directly impacted by the blaze.
The fire, which has been burning since Sunday afternoon has now scorched more than 3,400 hectares through Deep Creek National Park and surrounding areas, with crews continuing to work across rugged, hard-to-access terrain as containment efforts continue.
At least three structures are confirmed destroyed, and SAPOL will assist with damage assessments when it is safe to do so.
Among those affected are Ashley and Cassie Edwards, who were forced to evacuate their Deep Creek property after sheds, equipment, water tanks and pumps were destroyed as the fire tore through their land. Despite fighting the fire alongside CFS crews and local farm fire units, the couple ran out of water and were forced to flee at the last possible moment.
Ash evacuated on his quad bike through thick smoke and flames, eventually emerging to safety where Cassie was waiting nearby. The couple has not yet been able to return to the property, with the condition of their home still unknown.
Cassie’s sister, Natasha Hunt, has since launched an online fundraiser to help the couple begin the long process of recovery. The GoFundMe has already passed the halfway mark, raising more than $28,000 toward a $30,000 goal in just over a day.
In the fundraiser, Cassie said she was overwhelmed by the way the community has come together, despite the scale of the disaster.
“It’s incredible to see how our whole community has come together, everyone is doing their best to support each other,” she said.
“It’s just such catastrophic circumstances; people have never seen anything like this before. We won’t be the only ones affected, and that’s what really worries me. Thankfully, so far, no one has lost their lives, and that’s what matters most.”
The funds raised will help replace essential infrastructure and equipment, including tools Ash relies on for farming and knife-making, as well as easing the financial strain of rebuilding.
Despite their own losses, the couple are well known for giving back to the community, with Ash having founded the Yankalilla Men’s Shed and Cassie involved in Rotary and Lions, as well as helping run the Normanville New Year’s Eve Pageant.
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cass-and-ash-edwards-rebuild-from-the-deep-creek-fire.
For the latest information on the Deep Creek bushfire, go to the CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au or call the Information Hotline 1800 362 361.
