The Barkly Highway will be closed from the Barkly Homestead to Avon Downs for up to three days from 12 noon Saturday October 14 so crews can bring the Barkly fire under control.
Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller said there would be a concerted effort with the combined resources of surrounding stations to combat this fire, which first started burning on 28 August.
“The highway will be closed from 12 noon Saturday 14 October and pending weather conditions, could be closed for up to three days.
“We know this is an inconvenience for travellers and transport through the area, but it is critical we bring this fire under control.
“The road conditions will be too dangerous to drive, and so closing the highway is our only option – as soon as it is safe to do so, we will open the highway.
“It also ensures crews will be safe as they work along the roadside to tactically back burn and make the highway safe once and for all.”
The Barkly fire is now half the size of Tasmania, and has seen fire crews from New South Wales and South Australia travel to the area to assist in efforts to bring it under control.
An additional crew from New South Wales is travelling to Tennant Creek today to assist in controlling this fire.
“It has also come close to burning the town centre of Tennant Creek, as well as several communities including Canteen Creek and Epenarra,” Mr Fuller said.
“This has been a monumental effort from everyone involved and there is a genuine commitment to resolve this.
“We thank all the local stakeholders who have been assisting and continue to assist with this fire.”
