Bushfire burning 20km south of Yuendumu under control

A bushfire south of Yuendumu that has been burning since Wednesday is now under control.

UPDATE FRI 12.15PM: A BUSHFIRE south of Yuendumu that has been burning since Wednesday is now under control.

Bushfires NT said the fire was at a stage where fire fighting resources were only required for patrol purposes and major reignition was unlikely.

The fire is about 20km south of the Central Australian community and south of the Tanami Road.

“Yuendumu community is safe and all assets are safe and secure,” Bushfires NT said.

“The fire is almost contained.

“Bushfires NT are working with Newhaven Sanctuary staff to control the fire. It is expected that the fire will be contained by the end of the day.”

Bushfires NT encouraged people in the area to stay informed.

UPDATE THURS 11.45AM: FIREYS are responding to blaze burning south of the Yuendumu community and south of the Tanami Road.

The bushfire is spreading on one or more fronts and effective containment strategies are not yet in place for the entire perimeter.

The alert level is currently at advice.

Bushfires NT said people in the area should stay informed until the threat is reduced.

“Bushfires NT staff and volunteers are on ground assisting landholders,” an update said.

“An IMT (incident management team) has been established at Bushfires NT headquarters and two fire management officers from Darwin have been deployed to support the Central Australian response.

“Bushfires NT are undertaking a reconnaissance flight to obtain intelligence for the response plan.”

It is expected the situation may continue until Friday morning.

EARLIER: A RESPONSE is underway for an active bushfire just outside of Yuendumu.

It is being described as a large fire burning 20kms south of the locked-out community, which could be occurring close to the roadside.

The alert level is currently at advice.

Bushfire NT has advised residents that smoke from the fire may affect visibility in the area.

“The fire may impact the following roads over the following days Tanami track, Nyirripi, Papunya and Newhaven.”

“Please take caution when travelling through the area and turn on your headlights when travelling through smoke,” the advise read.

There are firefighters currently responding.

Originally published as Bushfire burning 20km south of Yuendumu under control