The chimney thing might have been a chimney fire, people dont have fires going in the middle of summer.
but how would the chimney fire have started if the fire place wasnt lit.... but yeh they do around that area... friken cold some times even in summer.
much as I hate to inject some facts into all the speculation...
one reason for having a fire in summer is some people have a
range to provide hot water.
But in this case it is a heritage listed, vacant, locked up
cottage (technically owned by SA Water). The interior could
have been on fire and the chimney the only place for the smoke
to escape. Local residents rang the local captain who rang MFS
and requested the turnout.