Farmers and winemakers are suffering a nervous wait as roadblocks prevent many from reaching around 200 agricultural properties potentially affected by the Adelaide Hills bushfires.
The bushfires have burnt more than 12,000 hectares across the Adelaide Hills and destroyed at least 13 homes.
Many farmers have not been able to assess how many sheep and cattle have been killed or injured in the bushfires.
Winemakers have another concern, even if their vines have survived the flames.
Paul Drogemuller of Paracombe Wineries was able to stay on his property, which survived the bushfires well despite flames coming within 1.5km of the vineyard and burning debris falling across it.
“We had gum leaves burnt that landed on our property from that distance that night,” he said.
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“We were pretty confident that we had all of the grass cut short, paddocks heavily grazed … and as much debris cleared from the property (as possible).”
But other winemakers have not been so lucky.
Drogemuller said about half of a vineyard in Kenton Valley had been lost in the fires.
“Because we can’t move around … it’s just talking to people we know. I’m absolutely sure that there are (other) vineyards that will have been affected,” he said.
He said there was a possibility that this year’s vintage may be tainted by smoke from the fires, but he would have to wait for about a month to find out.
“Smoke taints are a potential. And we won’t know the outcome of that until you ferment some of the juice,” he said.
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“You always have that fear (but) because we’re on the very top of the hill we probably only had heavy smoke for about four hours.
“The smoke taint will depend how long, how much and how intense the smoke was on the leaf.
“In the valleys, (vineyards) will be more affected.”
Assessment teams from Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) have begun to arrive at some properties today, but access remains largely restricted.
PIRSA is urging landowners to seek assistance from local veterinarians to assess injured livestock once they are able to safely return to their properties.
“Owners are in the first instance responsible for the welfare of livestock and for their treatment and first aid,” said PIRSA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Roger Paskin.
“If a veterinarian is not available landowners can contact the Stock Assessment Hotline at PIRSA whose staff can assist with advice on welfare issues and how to treat injured animals.”
Landowners who need urgent assistance with burnt livestock can call the Stock Assessment Hotline on 8207 7847.
“In addition to arranging veterinary help, owners should provide surviving livestock with access to good quality clean water, suitable fodder and shade if possible,” Paskin said.
“Further, animals recovering from burns should be placed in a separate paddock or yard where they can be easily accessed, inspected regularly and nursed well.
“Where landowners have found it necessary to destroy animals they are permitted to bury them on site.”
Landowners who need further advice can contact Primary Producers of South Australia on 8297 2299.
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