South Australians count themselves lucky, despite devastation left in wake of bushfires

Peter Attenborough's determination to save his beloved home almost killed him too.

The Kersbrook resident stayed to defend his home as the devastating South Australian bushfire surrounded his property this week.

“I cried, I thought I was going to die,” he told 9NEWS.

“It was pretty scary.”

Unable to find his car keys, he prepared to say his goodbyes – only to be saved as the blaze approached.

The water-bombing aircraft “Elvis” appeared, dropping water across his property and dousing the fire.

“The helicopter saved my life and saved most of my house, it's just amazing,” he said.

More than 1000 homes stood in the way of the firestorm and authorities have now confirmed 38 of them as destroyed.

A further four businesses and 128 sheds are also gone.

Paramedics say 134 people have been injured. One man remains in hospital with serious injuries after being crushed by a fallen tree.

But amazingly, no loss of life – thanks to the hard work of firefighters and resources such as Elvis.

Emergency crews have warned residents not to become complacent as the danger still remains.

South Australia is bracing for hot conditions tomorrow, which are expected to spark flare ups across the state.