Smoke blanketing Darwin and Palmerston as authorities carry out planned burns

Multiple fires are burning along the Stuart Highway, with authorities warning those in smoke-affected areas as Darwin and Palmerston woke to a thick blanket of smoke. SEE THE PICS.

Smoke from planned burns and grass fires have accumulated over the Top End. Picture: Leanne Griffin

The Top End has been blanketed in a fog of smoke drifting northward from a series of planned burns.

More than 12,000 hectares of scrubland is in the process of being burned at Darwin River Dam and Deepwater Station.

The burns began this past weekend and will continue through the month of June.

Several grass fires are also burning along the Stuart Highway from Adelaide River up to Humpty Doo.

The smoke has drifted northerly toward urban areas, and Darwin resident Leanne Griffin captured photos of Tuesday’s sunrise shining through the smoke clouds.

Smoke over Darwin City on Tuesday June 6. Picture: Leanne Griffin

Bushfires NT director Colleen Bremner told ABC Radio on Tuesday morning that a private contractor has also been carrying out private burns in Darwin, contributing to the higher than usual smoke levels.

Other burns were carried out over the weekend at Shoal Bay, Point Stuart and Twin Hills.

Those driving in close vicinity to the fires should slow down and turn on headlights according to Bushfire NT’s advice.

Smoke over Darwin City Tuesday 4/06/2024

NT Health in a statement released mid morning on Tuesday advised residents who suffered with existing heart and lung conditions to take care.

They recommended locals avoid physical outdoor activity, that they stay indoors with windows closed if possible, and set airconditioners to recirculate.

“Follow your asthma action plan and seek immediate medical advice or care if needed,” the NT Health spokesperson said.

Smoke over Darwin City Tuesday 4/06/2024

“If you are concerned about the air quality around your area, NT Health recommends using the AirRater app

“The app allows you to monitor air quality at your location while providing information on bushfires and planned burns.”

July marks the start of the Top End fire danger season and emergency services last week urged residents to carry out safety measures and update their bushfire survival plans.

As grass fires become more common, Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter said firebreaks “remain one the best ways to protect yourself and your community”.

Firebreaks should be at least four metres wide and any vegetation within them limited to five centimetres in height according to Mr Hunter.

“We are urging everyone against complacency when it comes to fire safety,” he said.