The random destruction across the Adelaide Hills bushfire is added "torture" for those involved, but the South Australian spirit to carry on and rebuild remains strong, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
Mr Morrison toured parts of the fire ground on Tuesday as up to 200 Country Fire Service volunteers continued battling the 25,000-hectare blaze in an effort to bring it under control.
The forward spread of the fire has been halted, but pockets continue to burn strongly within the 127km perimeter.
The prime minister said he was always struck by the nature of the devastation, where some lost everything but others were spared.
A CFS firefighter gets to work on protecting a home at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Source: AAP
"One home is standing and the home next door is obliterated," Mr Morrison said.
"One vineyard is flush with grapes and the one next to it is torched. That's just so hard.
"The loss is one thing, but the mystery of that is torture for those who have had to live through it."
Mr Morrison visited the Lobethal emergency relief centre, a CFS brigade at Woodside and a local winery, which lost its 10-hectare vineyard.
He said in almost every case the people impacted by the fire had worked so incredibly hard to build up what was there.
Sheep are seen in a burnt paddock at Woodside in Adelaide. Source: AAP
"They're very determined people and my encouragement to them today is to access the help that is available," he said.
"No-one is invincible. No-one can carry all of this on their own."
Mr Morrison also paid tribute the firefighters on duty across the Hills and those battling other fires around SA and across the country.
"Today may be Christmas Eve, but for so many firefighters, it's going to be another day out there protecting their communities," he said.
"I thank them for their service and thank all those supporting them to keep them out there.
"And I thank their families."
CFS chief officer Mark Jones said his crews would continue to battle the fire over the coming days, wary that increasingly dangerous conditions were looming.
The potential for flare-ups remained and even as Mr Morrison visited the Barristers Winery, staff were warned to watch for ember attacks.
Mr Jones also confirmed the number of houses lost in the blaze had been downgraded slightly to 84 after closer checks on a number of buildings.
But he said the Adelaide Hills fire and one also still to be contained on Kangaroo Island would continue to burn for several weeks.
"Neither are controlled and our firefighters are continuing to work to make them safe," he said.
"The risk remains, so we're asking people to remain vigilant."
The CFS is particularly concerned about conditions expected on Sunday and Monday when temperatures are likely to top 40C and winds will strengthen.
The prime minister's visit to SA came as the state government established an emergency relief fund to help people directly affected by the Adelaide Hills fire.
Premier Steven Marshall said the $1 million fund would go some way towards helping people to start rebuilding their lives.
"We know South Australians give generously in tough times and we're encouraging South Australian businesses and community members to consider making a donation," he said.
"The loss of property and land across the state has been immense and in the coming months, the community can use financial donations to help rebuild and get back on their feet."
The fund will be managed by a five-member committee and will distribute financial donations to the families and businesses who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the disaster.
