As a result of a grass fire on Kangaroo Island which destroyed a Telstra exchange, police on the island are taking steps to identify vulnerable residents in the affected area.
Phone lines, including mobiles, are out of service west of Cygnet River and it is understood it may be 24 hours before services are restored.
Police are contacting the Community Health Centre and, with the assistance of volunteers from the SES, will conduct door knocks to identify those who are out of contact and could be at risk due to health issues.
Anyone who is at risk is being advised to move to an area with greater contact options until the situation is fixed and to monitor radio for any updates.
The fire, which CFS says is contained, was believed to have started as a result of a re-ignition following an earlier fire sparked by a motor vehicle crash.
The fire at Cygnet River also brought down powerlines along the Playford Highway and destroyed two farm sheds and a utility in addition to the local telephone exchange.
Although the fire was contained last night it continues to generate smoke which has been drifting south-west towards the mainland over parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges and Lower North areas including Gawler.
Residents and travellers in these areas are advised to remain vigilant at all times during the Fire Danger Season.
The CFS advises that if there is uncertainty about the origin of smoke, or if flames are sighted, to ring Triple Zero immediately.
CFS crews have also maintained a vigil at the Timber Creek Mill on Kangaroo Island where a large pile of woodchips began burning on Saturday and continues to smoulder.
For information about CFS-related incidents visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au or contact the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.
