Police have established a road block at Flynn’s Grave west of Alice Springs after thick smoke from bushfires west of Alice Springs became hazardous to traffic late this afternoon.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated last night as firefighters and emergency crews fought the blaze  near Simpson’s Gap to the north of Larapinta Drive. As a precaution three families, including seven adults and two children,  were evacuated in the early hours of this morning from their homes on the Golden Mile. They were allowed to return to their homes at around 9am this morning.

Emergency crews continued building fire breaks and back-burning for most of the morning until the fire was contained just before 1pm. The EOC was stood down, however was re-activated when the fire re-ignited and jumped containment lines near Simpson’s Gap just after 3.30pm.

Fire fighters and emergency crews were again mobilised to work to contain the fire against the West McDonnell Range escarpment.

There will be no west-bound traffic permitted along Larapinta Drive at the outskirts of town at present,  however access to Stirling Heights is not impeded. All  eastbound traffic near Simpson’s Gap is being diverted through Honeymoon Gap while the smoke remains a traffic hazard.

Acting Superintendent Jody Nobbs said firefighters would continue to work throughout the night to contain the fire and residents were being asked to avoid the area if possible to  prevent traffic congestion. Police are also asking hikers or bike riders to avoid the area while the fire hazard continues.

Further updates will be made available as they come to hand.

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825