Bushfires — MacDonnell (NT)
7 significant bushfires are currently detected in or near the MacDonnell 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 MacDonnell area
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory183 MW2 d ago
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory106 MW45 h ago
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory72 MW2 d ago
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory59 MW3 d ago
- MacDonnellNorthern Territory18 MW21 h ago
- Alice SpringsNorthern Territory✓ Confirmed1 MW2 d ago
- Alice SpringsNorthern Territory✓ Confirmed1 MW35 h ago
Bushfire safety in MacDonnell
The MacDonnell local government area is one of the council districts of Northern Territory (NT) — the spinifex and desert country of the Red Centre. The fire season here depends on rainfall: after wet years the spinifex and grass grow enough to carry extensive fire, and in dry years there is little to burn. 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 MacDonnell 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 Central Desert 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 MacDonnell?
Use the map on this page — it centres on the MacDonnell 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 MacDonnell under any fire warning right now?
Any active official warnings covering the MacDonnell 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 MacDonnell 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.