KI fire causes utter devastation, claims lives of two valiant farm firefighters

The CFS advised residents to take action this morning and leave the area if not prepared, as the fire is uncontrolled.

The warning comes as a convoy of army vehicles, transporting up to 100 reservists and self-sustainment supplies head to KI to help in the recovery effort.

The reservists are deploying as part of Operation Bushfire Assist at the request of the SA government.

The KI fire has wreaked utter devastation on the entire western end of the Island, claiming two lives.

The victims have been named as pioneering bush pilot 'Desert Dick' Lang, 78, and his youngest son Clayton Lang, 43, one of Adelaide's leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Dick and Clayton were in the process of returning to the family property after fighting a nearby fire for two days as one of the many valiant farm firefighting units that have saved so much on KI over the past two weeks.

One person died in the vehicle, while the other was found some distance away on the highway. The vehicle appeared to towing a trailer with firefighting equipment.

Dick had been married to Helen for more than 55 years. They have four sons - Derek, Justin, Lachlan and Clayton - and seven grandchildren - Zac, Andre, Rose, Jasmine, Carlie; and Clayton's daughters with Christie, Sophia and Madeline.

The family released a statement.

"Helen and the family are heartbroken and reeling from this double tragedy and are touched by people's thoughts at this difficult time," it said.

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the CFS volunteers, police and members of the KI community who are doing so much to help all those on the Island affected by these catastrophic fires."

Many farm houses and structures, lodges, campgrounds and buildings, including the Flinders Chase National Park, were wiped out in the fires.

Local Australian Community Media newspaper The Islander visited the Playford Highway west of Parndana with the CFS, the day after the fire ripped through the island, on Friday.

Dead stock and wildlife and burned cars lined either side of the highway, while out in the paddocks badly burned sheep and cattle, as well as kangaroos and wallabies stood awaiting their fate.

Multiple farm houses and sheds were flattened as surrounding trees stood burned black, still smouldering.

Just down the highway from where two people died was a badly damaged prime hauler that came to standstill, reportedly while trying to get stock out of the area.

The trip terminated at the Western Districts football oval where the community club was a burned-out shell. The football rooms across the oval were still standing.

Western Districts Football Club president Tony Nolan was surveying the damage and remained stoic.

"The Saints will keep marching," he said. "We will rebuild, we need the club as our hub. There are so many devastated families out there."

Further back up the highway, Josh Deer was at the burned out house he rents with his partner Lucy Cooper.

He thanked the community for their support and said the community would rebuild.

Their business, The Rockpool Cafe at Stokes Bay, last he checked was still standing but the fire was still impacting on the north coast around that very area.

The south coast of Kangaroo Island is equally as devastated, along the entire length from west of Vivonne Bay all the way into Flinders Chase National Park, where the visitor centre and so many amenities vital to the Island's tourism economy have been destroyed.

To the east of the park there are reports that the caravan park, multiple lodges and possibly other structures and houses had been lost too.

The Southern Ocean Lodge sustained significant damage on Friday, despite valiant efforts from six senior staff members that remained on-site.

All guests and remaining staff were evacuated to Kingscote and Adelaide earlier on Friday before the threat intensified.

The lodge is now closed as the company embarks on contacting guests as well as travel industry partners over the coming days to make alternative arrangements for upcoming reservations.

Baillie Lodges founders and co-creators of Southern Ocean Lodge James and Hayley Baillie said initial plans were already at hand to rebuild the award-winning luxury lodge.

"We are absolutely shocked and saddened by today's events," the Baillies said.

"A bushfire incident such as this is really our worst nightmare come true.

"In the short to medium term we would like to take the lead in rebuilding the KI tourism industry.

"As much as possible we would like to contribute to the economic and social recovery of the broader Kangaroo Island community, which has really been such a genuine part of the lodge's resonance for both our Australian and international guests."

SeaLink has also advised anyone with an existing ticket can access a full refund and can call 13 13 01.

SAPOL is asking people intending to travel to Kangaroo Island to reconsider their plans in light of the bushfires, and the CFS is operating a service desk at our Cape Jervis terminal to provide information about conditions on the Island.

"Conditions are changing daily and we will provide updates as emergency services provide us with advice regarding travel to the Island," it said.

At a community meeting on Saturday morning, KI Mayor Michael Pengilly and various officials briefed the community on the ongoing firefighting effort and also the recovery process.

Along with CFS volunteers, firefighters from National Parks and Forestry and about 70 farm fire units that have worked tirelessly without a break were recognised.

KI will take months and years to recover from the fire, which has now burned some 170,000 hectares, between a quarter and a third of the Island.

Anyone wanting to assist is urged to donate to please donate to the KI Mayoral Fund at: BSB 105 094 ACC 035680540

For fire updates visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au) or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.