James Francis Armstrong and Thomas Nicholas Harvey Sticpewich charged over fire in Djukbinj National Park

Two men have been charged over a wildfire that burned for 11 days across a Top End national park and a neighbouring farm.

Djukbinj National Park burned for 11 days in August last year after an illegal fire was allegedly lit.

Two men have been charged over a wildfire that burned for 11 days in Djukbinj National Park in August last year.

It will be alleged James Francis Armstrong and Thomas Nicholas Harvey Sticpewich deliberately lit a fire in the park without a permit, left a fire unattended, and failed to control a fire.

They have also been charged with possessing a firearm in a national park.

An investigation by Bushfires NT and Northern Territory Police found the wildfire impacted vegetation across a total of 166sq km of the park, 80km east of Darwin.

About 2300ha of pasture on a neighbouring pastoral station was also burned.

The men could face heavy penalties if found guilty, including possible prison time.

Head of Bushfires NT, Collene Bremner, said the public had an important role in reporting illegally lit fires.

“Our position is that this fire was deliberately lit during a significant fire danger period, placing our environment and responders at risk of harm, and diverting resources away from other emergencies.

“This is a reminder to the broader community that everyone has an obligation to comply with the NT’s fire laws, and matters brought to our attention will be investigated,” she said.