Firefighters bring major blaze burning in Darwin rural area under control

UPDATE: THE ‘watch and act’ warning for the bushfire burning in Girraween has been cancelled, with NT Fire and Rescue advising the fire is now under control.

A bushfire in underway in Girraween. Picture: Che Chorley

UPDATE:

THE ‘watch and act’ warning for the bushfire burning in Girraween has been cancelled, as of about 6.30pm.

NT Fire and Rescue advise the fire in the Bridgemary Crescent and Paddy Court area has been brought under control.

Crews will continue to monitor the area.

The Arnhem Hwy, which was closed near Produce Rd earlier today due to firefighting operations, has been reopened to the public

EARLIER:

NT Fire and Rescue have closed the Arnhem Hwy between Frees Pass Rd and Zamia Rd as a fire burns close to the roadside.

Effective strategies are in operation or planned for the entire perimeter.

Heavy smoke has made visibility on the road poor.

An alert released by authorities states: “Due to firefighting operations on the Arnhem Highway, the Arnhem Highway will be closed until further notice. Police will be in attendance to direct traffic.”

A fire burning on the Arnhem Hwy, just before Produce Rd. Picture: Che Chorley

EARLIER:

EMERGENCY services have issued a ‘watch and act’ warning for a major blaze that is underway in the Darwin rural area.

The fire is currently spreading near Bridgemary Crescent and Paddy Court, Girraween with residents in the area advised to start taking action to protect their families and properties.

In a statement, PFES said the fire is “spreading on one or more fronts” and that “effective containment strategies are not in place for the entire perimeter.”

Firefighters will be working from the roadside and waterbombs will be used.

LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks

Heavy smoke is also expected to impact visibility on nearby roads.

Follow @MsSarahMatthews