Blaze destroys saw mill loader

A fire at a saw mill in South Australia's Barossa Valley has destroyed a front-end loader but firefighters have prevented the blaze spreading to piles of bark chips.

The fire at the Nuriootpa business was contained in about 90 minutes on Monday but the loader's burning tyres sent thick plumes off black smoke into the air.

The Country Fire Service says the damage bill has been estimated at $25,000 and the cause is being investigated.