Properties at risk as major bushfire moves west near Eva Valley

FIREFIGHTERS and volunteers from Bushfires NT have been working overtime to control a bushfire that has burned through 500 hectares of bush west of Eva Valley

Bushfires NT issued a Watch and Act warning for the area near Cheeney Rd on Wednesday afternoon and nearby residents are being urged to take action to protect their family and property

FIREFIGHTERS and volunteers from Bushfires NT have been working overtime to control a bushfire that has burned through 500 hectares of bush west of Eva Valley.

Bushfires NT assistant director of operations Joshua Fisher said the fire had started near Cheeney Rd in the Chin sub-division and was moving northwest.

He said the blaze posed a risk to upwards of nine properties in the area.

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“We currently have an active watch and act warning in place and seven crews on the ground and helicopters in the air who will be working all afternoon to undertake defensive strategies to protect lives and property,” he said.

“Nearby residents are being urged to take action to protect their family and property.

“At this stage the blaze seems to be moving towards the boundary of the Litchfield National Park where we already have a fire line, so we’re hoping the bushfire alert will be downgraded by 10pm (Wednesday night).”

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For the safety of firefighting crews and other vehicles, drivers in the area are urged to slow down, turn on headlights and drive safely for the conditions.

At this stage, Bushfires NT are still not sure what started the fire and will be investigating.

MORE TO COME