Charles Darwin National Park to reopen after ‘detrimental’ bushfire

A Top End national park is set to reopen after an unplanned fire had a ‘destrimental’ effect on its vegetation and wildlife.

About 100 hectares of a national park has burned after a huge blaze cut off visitor access to the grounds.

An Environment, Parks and Water Security Department spokeswoman said the massive fire in Charles Darwin National Park was unplanned and its cause unknown.

“Any fire at this time of year is detrimental to plants, animals and the natural environment,” she said.

“Fires can kill mature trees, affect vegetation diversity, and reduce food and habitat resources for wildlife.”

The spokeswoman said the flames were first spotted when staff opened the gates at 7am Monday.

She said the park would be reopened to visitors on Wednesday.

“Mountain bike tracks will remain closed until safety assessments conducted and are safe to reopen,” the spokeswoman said.

Fire spreading in Darwin national park

Access to Charles Darwin National Park was closed on Monday as firefighters battle to contain a blaze.

NT Fire and Rescue issued the advice just before 1pm and the fire was still burning as of 4.30pm.

Smoke from the raging fire could be seen all the way from the city, with dark plumes filling the otherwise sunny sky.

Ash fell from the sky in clumps as birds and bugs circled the blaze.

A smoky haze shrouded a section of Tiger Brenan Dr in Winellie, with drivers’ visisbility severely limited as the plumes thickened throughout the afternoon.

Darwin National Park fire on 31 July 23

“For the safety of firefighting crews and other vehicles, drivers in the area are urged to slow down, turn on headlights and drive safely for the conditions,” firies said.

Firies said the blaze had spread on one or more fronts, with effective containment strategies not in place for the entire perimeter.

It appeared the fire had consumed much of the dry foliage near some of the national park’s popular mountain bike trails, with visitors banned from the grounds until the last spark dies.