Burning Bushfires: Smoky Skies Over Alice

Hot winds, dry conditions and a load of fuel left over from a wet summer. Perfect conditions for a firestorm.

One week ago in Alice, smoke hung in the air and turned the sky grey. Fires burned in different locations – one out at Simpson’s Gap, creeping closer to town, and one north of the Alice which led to the Stuart Highway being closed. Spindles of black ash edged with silver fell all over town. Authorities urged those with breathing difficulties to stay inside due to the blanket of smoke covering the streets.

Last Saturday night was a tense time for many people. A Watch and Act came into effect in parts of Larapinta. The Simpson’s Gap car park and camping ground were evacuated and the road blocked to keep visitors safe from the fire. Photos popped up on social media of vehicles and trailers stuck behind signs barring them from driving any further.

The smoky sky: Flames over Alice Springs, August 2023 (Photo credit: Jessica Goodlet)

People also posted images of flames and burning vegetation. In some parts of town, the red and orange of the fire blotted out the normal view of the night sky. Flames curled close to homes. There have been other grass fires since the weekend. Residents are conscious that we are technically still in winter and only on the cusp of the fire season, yet we have already seen parts of Central Australia alight. In a summer where 80% of the Northern Territory is predicted to burn, it pays to heed the warnings: be prepared, protect your home and property, and survive.

The police and firies work around the clock to protect people and assets from fires. The community appreciates their actions and efforts. Being placed on the frontline is never an easy job and such sacrifices do not go unnoticed. In these times, the town has a habit of pulling together, and we support those doing their best to keep us safe. Together, we will make it through.