Crews battle blaze near Monarto
Fire crews are battling fierce fire near Monarto, northwest of Murray Bridge, in South Australia, which is threatening lives and homes.
Hot winds are making the job difficult for the Country Fire Service (CFS) as it tries to bring the blaze under control.
The fire broke out in scrubland just after midday and quickly spread, fanned by strong northerly winds.
By 6pm, it had burned through more than 700 hectares.
Crews have been working hard to protect homes in the line of the fire.
7News has been told that at one stage the Rockleigh CFS station itself came under threat from the flames.
About 200 firefighters on the ground have been assisted by three water bombers.
The northern edge of the fire has been brought under control, but authorities are still nervous about the southern part, which has jumped a road as it heads south.
Residents and motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
