With two lives already claimed, the toll from the South Australian bushfires could rise as five people fight critical injuries.

Dozens of homes and buildings have also been destroyed, while farming communities have been devastated by the fire which has burnt through around 85,000 hectares of land.

Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle the blaze north of Adelaide, including strike teams from Victoria, which they hope to bring it under control today.

One of those killed has been identified as 69-year-old Pinery farmer Allan Tiller, secretary of the local congregation of the Church of the Nazarene.