KI fires turn deadly

The fires which began across SA yesterday have claimed a life on Kangaroo Island. The Sydney Morning Herald reports:

Late Thursday, the body of a 22-year-old man was found in his burnt out truck near Vivonne Bay on the island's south coast.

Police said it was unclear if the man died in a crash or from the flames.

A team of forensic investigators are providing a report for the coroner.

SafeWork SA said the man was believed to be working with his father after being contracted by the CFS to haul a bulldozer as part of the firefighting efforts.

A SafeWork spokesman said the death would be treated and investigated as a workplace incident.

Five fires remain uncontrolled this evening on KI. Since 1330 yesterday, 14 fires have been reported. Four have been brought under control, and the others have merged to produce the 5 still burning. The five fires are at Flinders Chase, Western River Conservation Park, Riverleas, Vivonne Bay and Cape Gantheaume, with the first two list being of the most concern. No economic interests are threatened at this time.

The NASA Terra MODIS image of KI from earlier today is shown above (extracted the MODIS Rapid Response page). It is a '721' image highlighting the burn scars and areas of vegetation. It is stitched together from two separate overpasses. 4 of the 5 noted fires are apparent. The peach color likely represents open flame.

Other fires that started yesterday, including the Nullarbor and Yorke Peninsula fires were also still burning.