Bushfires — Central Desert (NT)
29 significant bushfires are currently detected in or near the Central Desert council area, Northern Territory. The map below shows where, with official warnings and — as you zoom in — satellite hotspots, fire boundaries, road closures and air quality.
Current fires in the Central Desert area
- Central DesertNorthern Territory883 MW11 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory834 MW1 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory809 MW34 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory564 MW1 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory364 MW2 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory205 MW11 h ago
- Central DesertNorthern Territory195 MW22 h ago
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory183 MW2 d ago
Bushfire safety in Central Desert
The Central Desert local government area is one of the council districts of Northern Territory (NT) — the tropical savanna and woodland of the Top End. The fire season here follows the dry season, roughly May to October, and savanna fire here is annual and extensive. Fire and emergency response here is led by NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services. The higher-risk fire period across Northern Territory is typically the dry season (roughly May to October), though fires can start at any time.
This page brings together satellite fire detections with the official warnings and fire-danger ratings published for NT, focused on the Central Desert area. Satellite detections are unconfirmed — they can be a bushfire, a hazard-reduction burn or an industrial heat source — so always follow the official agency and call 000 in an emergency.
Nearby councils
Alice Springs MacDonnell Barkly Victoria Daly Roper Gulf Katherine
Closest councils by centre point — not necessarily sharing a border.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check for bushfires near Central Desert?
Use the map on this page — it centres on the Central Desert council area and shows current fires and official warnings. Zoom in for satellite hotspots, fire boundaries, road closures and air quality, or choose a suburb below to focus closer.
Is Central Desert under any fire warning right now?
Any active official warnings covering the Central Desert area are listed on this page and on the Northern Territory warnings page. Warnings are republished from the responsible fire agency — always follow the official advice and call 000 in an emergency.
Where does the fire information for Central Desert come from?
Satellite hotspots from NASA/NOAA (via Digital Earth Australia and FIRMS), plus official warnings, incidents and fire-danger ratings republished for Northern Territory (NT). It is public information, not official advice.
What is a local government area?
A local government area (LGA) is the council district used for local administration. We use LGAs so you can track fires at the council level — between the whole-of-Northern Territory view and individual suburbs.