Black Sunday, 2 January 1955, was a day of devastation for the Mount Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide. At 1pm Adelaide recorded 43 °C with wind gusts of 100 km per hour, and higher velocities in the hills.

The fire was particularly intense near Upper Sturt where the railway station and several houses were destroyed. Crafers, Aldgate and Loftia Park Resort were also affected and the Governors' summer residence at Marble Hill destroyed.

Two firefighters were killed and 40,000 ha burnt out. The damage bill was estimated at £4 million.