Bushfire south of Alice Springs burns 500ha, spawns ‘firenado’

Hot conditions on a more than 40 degree day spawned a “firenado” in the Red Centre as fire crews worked to bring a 500ha blaze under control. WATCH.

Hot conditions on a more than 40 degree day spawned a “firenado” in the Red Centre – which proved no match to the coordinated response of firefighters, landowners, and volunteers battling the blaze it was a part of.

On Wednesday, a bushfire Hugh, south of Alice Springs, was extinguished by Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, with the help of volunteer crews and landowners.

Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Tristan Webster said the “firenado” happened Tuesday afternoon, about 2-3pm.

“It was pretty insane to see how mother nature can just turn like that,” he said.

Firefighters have extinguished a bushfire south which burned 500ha south of Alice Springs and spawned a fire tornado. Picture: Bushfire NT

“That area where it jumped, it (the firenado) would’ve probably turned into a couple days saga if we didn’t catch it there and then.”

Mr Webster said the coalition who fought the fire included Acacia Land Management and workers from Undoolya Station.

Mr Webster praised Acacia Land Management for their work battling the blaze in the front end loader. Picture: Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

“I’m pretty proud of the brigade and Acacia Land Management for what they did,” he said.

The fire started on Tuesday on a 41C day and was extinguished on Wednesday, leaving 500ha burnt in its wake.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.