Emergency alerts issued as fast-moving bushfires threaten homes near Berry Springs

Authorities with Bushfires NT issued an emergency warning for a fire burning along Stockwell Road in Blackmore, west of Berry Springs, and advised anyone lacking preparation to evacuate now. The blaze is moving toward Mieland Road and Tuey Close, with some structures reported as engulfed, while a parallel fast-moving fire on Uralla Road in Katherine East triggered a watch-and-act order for residents south of Bicentennial Drive.

Acting Chief Fire Control Officer Nathaniel Stanford said crews are conducting tactical back-burns and monitoring spot fires on their mapping system, and a 24-hour fire ban for the Top End has been prolonged. Local resident Cindy described the fire as massive, noting explosions from burning vehicles and the presence of fire engines, volunteer firefighters, and water-dropping planes. Officials warned that a shift in wind direction around 5 pm could alter the fire’s path, and they will continue updating the community on its spread.