Barkly emergency warning lifted as bushfire continues to burn

Despite the official emergency ending, authorities continue to warn residents the situation remains ‘serious’ with ‘work continuing to mitigate the fire threat’.

Efsta Konidaris captured images of water bombers helping to douse the Tennant Creek bushfires at Battery Hill. Picture: Efsta Konidaris Photography

An emergency warning for Central Australia’s Barkly region will be lifted on Friday while authorities continue to warn residents the situation remains “serious” with “work continuing to mitigate the fire threat”.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles made the announcement on Friday morning while a massive bushfire continues to burn outside Tennant Creek.

The official “watch and act” warning has now been downgraded to “advice” while heavy smoke remains over the town and the region as backburning continues in the area.

“Still conditions in the evening and overnight mean the smoke haze continues to linger until midmorning, with Tennant Creek’s air quality rated ‘very poor’ due to particulate matter in the air from the nearby fires,” a spokeswoman said.

“People with respiratory illnesses or sensitive medical conditions are urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and to not exercise until the air quality improves.

“Air quality may improve slightly throughout the day, however with the fire and backburning continuing throughout the area, poor airconditions are expected to persist for a number of days.”

Anyone who does not need to go outside is still being urged to stay indoors.