A FIRE that began at a Riverland almond packing shed on the weekend has caused more than $150,000 in damage and is expected to continue burning today.
Monash, Paringa and Berri CFS crews initially attended the fire – at Almondco’s packing facility near the Pike River – around 10.13am on Sunday, September 6.
After being brought under control on Sunday, the blaze – contained to large piles of almond husks – reignited on Monday and yesterday.
CFS Chaffey group officer Adrian Wright – who expected the fire to also continue into last night and today – said windy conditions in the area had since prevented firefighters from being able to fully extinguish the blaze.
“Anytime there is a change of wind it increases the risk of spontaneous combustion,” Mr Wright said.
“The weather conditions have been a challenge, but also the sheer volume of almond husks at the location.”
A CFS spokesperson said crews were installing “a fire break” at the facility to avoid further property damage.
“The CFS was alerted to a rubbish fire that was not fully distinguished the night before, which reignited at Almondco,” the spokesperson said.
“Seven fire trucks and around 35 CFS and MFS fire fighters responded and found the fire out of control with flames up to
five metres.
“A semi-trailer and loader were fully ablaze when crews arrived with both totally destroyed in the fire causing around $180,000 damage.”