2 days ago
Total fire ban issued for Top End regions as extreme conditions forecast
Update 3pm, Saturday: A 24-hour fire ban has been declared with extreme fire danger forecast across the Top End across the rest of the weekend.
Bushfires NT and the NT Fire and Rescue Service have declared a fire ban period for Sunday spanning from midnight to midnight in Darwin, Palmerston, Coomalie and Litchfield.
The rule valid from 12 midnight stipulates that no person should light or cause a fire to be lit in the open in the portion of the NT within the fire ban zone.
Bushfires NT incident controller David Breadmore said extreme fire conditions were expected on Sunday across the Top End.
'With extreme fire danger forecast for Darwin, Palmerston, Coomalie and Litchfield this Sunday, conditions will be challenging and fire may be difficult to control,' he said.
'Low humidity, high temperatures, strong south-easterly winds and dry fuel loads mean fire can spread quickly and unpredictably.
'We urge everyone to be prepared, follow their Bushfire Survival Plan, and report any unattended fires to Triple Zero (000) immediately.'
For further information on fire bans and other fire restrictions contact Bushfires NT on 8922 0844 or visit or
Watch and act warning issued for Darwin River region
1.40pm Saturday: Emergency crews have issued a watch and act warning for the Darwin River region following a heightened fire risk for residents in the area.
A fire is spreading on multiple fronts with effective containment strategies not yet in place for the entire perimeter to combat the blaze.
Emergency services have warned that conditions are changing and people are urged to take action to protect their family and property.
Ground and aerial crews are in attendance and for the safety of firefighting crews drivers are urged to slow down, turn on their headlights and drive safely for the conditions.
Commuters are also warned to avoid the area if they can with smoke posing a risk to visibility while fire could creep on to the road.
The current situation may continue until at least 3pm.
