Bushfire NT warns of Stuart Highway closure
An active bushfire has forced authorities to close part of the Stuart Highway, with motorists in the area urged to be careful. Latest.
Northern Territory
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An active bushfire has forced authorities to close part of the Stuart Highway, as firefighting crews continue to fight the blaze which crossed the key route.
On Wednesday afternoon, Bushfires NT said police had blocked off part of the Stuart Highway due to poor visibility between Wycliffe Well and Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.
“Police are enacting a temporary road closure on the Stuart Highway while fire and smoke heavily impacts the road,” the statement read.
“If possible, avoid the area. If you are travelling in the area, please turn on headlights, slow down and follow all directions of Police and emergency service workers.”
Earlier that morning, Bushfires NT confirmed crews, volunteers and neighbouring landholders were engaged with battling “a large fire” near Wycliffe Well, which was reported as being active on multiple fronts.
The fire has been active since Sunday.
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A Watch and Act notice was issued for the fire at Binjari, south of Katherine, on Monday.
The fire jumped the Katherine River, and multiple crews worked into the evening to bring the blaze under control.
The Watch and Act was downgraded to Advice level on Tuesday morning as the fire was brought under control.
Elsewhere a fire that started on Sunday continues to burn near Wycliffe Well, Bushfires NT warning smoke from the blaze could impact drivers passing on the Stuart Hwy.
It comes as a heatwave warning for parts of the Top End was issued on Tuesday, with temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, and overnight minimums in the low to mid 20s.
As at 10.30am on Tuesday, Borroloola had reached 37C, and Warruwi had not dropped below 27C.
The Bureau of Meteorology said severe heatwave conditions had developed over central and northern parts of the Daly district and were building over the Tiwi district.
These conditions started on Saturday and were expected to continue for at least the next week.
Bushfires NT said unusual weather conditions could lead to a longer fire season this year.
In the Top End, bushfire season runs from April to November, and in Central Australia from October to March.
“An odd mix of recent weather patterns from rain, high humidity and health warning for severe heat across the Top End raises questions about whether our fire season is over,” Bushfires NT said.
“This week we have seen several large fires reported in the Top End and well as in the Barkly and Savanna regions.
“Strong gusty winds and high temperatures are indications that the season is not done yet.
“Rain in the southern region is perfect weather for continued fuel load growth, which will only require a short period to dry out sufficiently to carry fires across large unburnt landscapes.
“The regrowth in previously burnt areas may be sufficient to continue to carry fire.”
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