Residents who are not prepared have been urged to leave immediately as a fast-moving bushfire impacts structures and threatens properties at Blackmore, south of Darwin.
By the online editorial team
BREAKING NEWS — Authorities have issued an emergency warning for a dangerous bushfire burning at Stockwell Road in Blackmore, west of Berry Springs and about an hour south of Darwin.
Bushfires NT said structures had already been impacted as the fire moved towards Mieland Road and Tuey Close. Residents who are not prepared to defend their properties have been told to leave immediately, provided it is safe to do so.
People remaining in the affected area have been urged to activate their bushfire survival plans and closely monitor official emergency updates. Anyone unable to leave safely should seek shelter indoors.
Acting Chief Fire Control Officer Nathaniel Stanford said properties along Mieland Road were under threat and firefighting crews were carrying out tactical backburning operations in an effort to slow the blaze.
However, spot fires had been detected ahead of the main fire front, increasing the danger to surrounding properties.
Reports from the fireground indicated that some structures had been “impacted and engulfed”, although authorities had not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage.
“The best advice is to leave now” for residents who are unprepared for the fire’s arrival, Mr Stanford said.
Fire crews, volunteers and water-bombing aircraft are working in the area. A Stockwell Road resident described the fire front as “huge” and said explosions could be heard as flames moved through neighbouring properties containing old vehicles.
Authorities warned that a forecast change in wind direction could alter the fire’s path and place other communities at risk.
A separate watch and act warning is also in force for a fast-moving bushfire at Uralla Road in Katherine East. That fire is travelling towards the Victoria Highway between the rail corridor and Uralla Road.
Residents south of Bicentennial Drive have been advised to begin protecting themselves and their properties and to enact their survival plans.
A 24-hour fire ban across the Top End has also been extended. Residents should continue monitoring warnings through the official SecureNT alerts page, as conditions and warning levels can change rapidly.
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