PLANS have been put into place to support the Yorketown community after a fire, that started in catastrophic conditions on Wednesday, swept through the area.
At least 11 homes have been destroyed, as well as 200 sheep, 60 chickens and five deer.
An estimated $2 million worth of crops were lost, with damage assessment ongoing.
A community meeting was held on Thursday, and the state government has contacted the federal government to register for disaster assistance, including grants for people impacted by the fire.
A website has been created, specifically to support the Yorketown community recovery at dhs.sa.gov.au/yorketown.
The Department of Human Services has also emphasised it will be supporting people, with community health and wellbeing a key priority, alongside the damage to infrastructure, the economy and environment.
Information to support community recovery after a fire, including about livestock and land management, disposal of burnt items, insurance claims, document replacement and emotional support can all be found online at dhs.sa.gov.au/recovery.
For more information, or to be connected to support services, people directly affected by the Yorketown fire can call the Recovery Hotline on 1800 302 787.
An Emergency Relief Centre has been set up and is now located at the Stansbury Sports and Community Centre, in Weaver Street. The centre will reopen between 8am and 6pm daily from tomorrow.
DHS said, for those wishing to donate, cash was the most helpful form, as it allowed those impacted to buy exactly what they need, and also spend money within their local community, helping to rebuild the local economy.
Cash donations can be made at lionsclubs.org.au and click on the 'Make a Donation' button. All donations are tax deductible, with the money going directly to affected people.
Donated goods can pose challenges for charities and recovery workers to administer, store, distribute and dispose of and might not meet the needs of people affected by the disaster.
People may experience grief or stress after a disaster like a bushfire. Sometimes the impact is obvious straight away, but often it is a slow process. Some impacts include shock, anger, depression, tension, irritability, anxiety or difficulty making decisions.
Find out more about mental health support services after a disaster at sahealth.sa.gov.au/disastersandmentalhealthsupport
DHS reiterated the recovery efforts will continue across the following weeks and months ahead to help those who need support.
