Additional emergency crews were called on duty overnight to help fight a large bushfire which flared up again to the south-west of Alice Springs.

Members of Bushfires NT,  Parks and Wildlife, NT Fire and Rescue Service, NTES and a large number of volunteers worked throughout the night to contain  a fire which burned out more than 1000 square kilometres of bushland to the south-west of Alice Springs.

At one time the fire threatened power and gas assets on the Brewer estate, however extensive fire breaks were constructed and no property was damaged.

Superintendent Del Jones said the fire which has been burning since last week, flared up again and crossed containment lines after  the wind changed to the south–east  pushing the fire towards Alice Springs around 8pm last night.

“The fire has burnt out approximately 1000 square kilometres of land and extends from the Stuart Highway to the old South Road,” Supt Jones said.

“Currently the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and we are monitoring the fire as it threatens Deep Well Station.”

“Road blocks were set up last night  to prevent traffic travelling along the Stuart Highway from the Adelaide turn–off to 40 kilometres south of the prison. These road blocks have now been cancelled however motorists are still being asked to avoid the area if possible and travel with extreme care.”

Several more fires to the east and north of Alice Springs are also being monitored at present.

“There is a fire near Hamilton Downs around 35 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs, another near Bond Springs about 4 kilometres north of town as well as a large fire on Undoolya Station to the east. All are being closely monitored however at present pose no threat to the township.”

Up to 50 firefighters, volunteers and support crews have worked throughout the night to contain the fires and more reinforcements from Bushfires NT are being flown into Alice Springs this afternoon to support their efforts.

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