Extreme fire danger warning in Top End as fire rips through Litchfield National Park
Firefighters are battling to contain a fire believed to have been deliberately lit in Litchfield National Park, as an extreme fire danger is in place for most of the Top End.
Northern Territory
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A fire ban is in place for most of the Top End as firefighters battle to contain a blaze in Litchfield National Park.
A Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security spokeswoman said Central Valley campgrounds and the Lost City in Litchfield National Park would be closed until Monday as Bushfires NT and Parks and Wildlife fought an active fire on the southern boundary of the park.
She said the fire was reported to authorities on Thursday and attempts to contain it had been unsuccessful.
Initial investigations indicate the blaze was deliberately lit.
She said backburning operations were currently taking place to control the spread of the fire, which had the potential to travel into recreational areas on Friday afternoon.
“Smoke is likely to impact the roads and campground areas,” she said.
Access to Litchfield via Berry Springs is not expected to be impacted, with Wangi Falls remaining open.
“Conditions may change, so monitor conditions in your area,” she said.
“Follow all directions given.
“Swimming and camping areas may be closed at short notice.”
It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology issued an extreme fire weather warning for Darwin, Adelaide River, Gregory South East and Barkly North.
Fresh and gusty east to south easterly winds in the northwestern and central parts of the Territory combined with dry and mild conditions would result in extreme fire danger on Saturday, it said.
Bushfires NT has issued a 24-hour fire ban for the same areas for 24 hours on Saturday.
There are currently 10 active fires between Darwin and Katherine.
It comes after Alice Springs was engulfed in smoke and ash last weekend as a fire ripped through 36,000 hectares of West MacDonnell National Park.
That fire is still active, but is listed as a decreasing threat.
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