Darwin CBD scores poorest air quality rating in Australia, as fires rage on

Bushfires continue to rage in the Top End, creating “hazardous” air quality levels for residents. Here’s how to keep yourself safe from the toxic fumes.

DARWIN residents have woken to the worst air quality in Australia as large bushfires continue to rip through country south of the CBD.

A stifling smog lays like a thick blanket of smoke across the Top End, serving as a reminder to residents of the dangers that lurk only a few kilometres away.

The rising morning sun peeking over the thick haze looking over the Darwin Harbour on Tuesday. Picture: Floss Adams.

Measured by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, the Stokes Hill real-time AQI provided an air quality rating of 179.

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Comparatively, the result becomes increasingly alarming when compared to Australia’s largest capital city in population – with Melbourne scoring an AQI reading of 28.

Bushfires continue to burn through Litchfield National Park, Darwin River, Marrakai, Tivendale and the health storage facility in Berrimah.

Looking back towards the Tivendale bushfire on Monday afternoon. Picture: Floss Adams.

While St John NT had not seen a significant increase in the number of emergency calls regarding respiratory cases in the past few days, ambulance services director Andrew Thomas encouraged Territorians to follow appropriate safety measures while there was excessive smoke in the air due.

St John Ambulance NT director of ambulance services Andrew Thomas to take necessary steps to avoid the smoke pollution. Picture: Che Chorley.

“Actions to consider when dealing with air pollution; close doors and windows when inside the house, adjust the car airconditioning to recycle and wear a well-fitting P2 N95 mask if concerned when outdoors,” Mr Thomas said.

“For those with Asthma or respiratory conditions, be sure to take your preventer medications as prescribed and ensure you have your reliever medications on hand”.

If you are experiencing an emergency situation, call Triple-0

The Darwin and the Adelaide River is under a strict fire ban for the 24 hour period and is likely to subsist for the following days.

The fire ban warning states, ‘No person shall light a fire or cause a fire to be lit in the open in the portion of the Northern Territory within the fire ban areas’.

Firefighting aircraft and Firefighters defend Power infrastructure from an out of control fire in Berrimah. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

Residents are urged to remain fire aware, particularly over the next 24-hours.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service advised there was a decreasing threat from a bushfire near Kirkland Rd and Tiger Brennan Rd.

The agency advised the fire may encroach on roadsides, with motorists warned to remain vigilant and drive to the conditions.

Monday, August 21 – 2.30pm: Police issue warning

POLICE have issued an emergency warning for homes and businesses around Pinelands as a bushfire takes hold around the intersection of Kirkland and Wishart roads.

Just before 2pm on Monday, police issued a Watch & Act alert to residents, business operators and motorists that was upgraded to an emergency warning an hour later.

Police say they are undertaking defensive strategies to protect lives and property and smoke from the fire may affect visibility and burn close to the roadside.

Witnesses say the fire is burning close to PowerWater assets and the blaze is spreading on one or more fronts.

Police say effective containment strategies are not yet in place.

Motorists in the area are urged to slow down, turn on headlights and drive safely and to the conditions.

Police are advising people to enact bushfire survival plans and to monitor changing conditions.

For further information regarding bushfires, visit www.pfes.nt.gov.au.

Firefighting aircraft and Firefighters defend Power infrastructure from an out of control fire in Berrimah. Picture: Glenn Campbell Picture: Glenn Campbell

Firefighting aircraft and Firefighters defend Power infrastructure from an out of control fire in Berrimah. Picture: Glenn Campbell Picture: Glenn Campbell

Firefighting aircraft and Firefighters defend Power infrastructure from an out of control fire in Berrimah. Picture: Glenn Campbell Picture: Glenn Campbell