A massive bushfire that caused considerable damage to structures and vehicles and forced residents to flee their homes at Darwin River on Tuesday is being treated as “suspicious” by the NT Police, who are calling for the public to provide information on who might have started the blaze.

A large-scale multi-agency response to the bushfire that involved helicopters and other aircraft occurred just before 1pm yesterday in the vicinity of Leonino Road, where a large area was burnt with damage to property.

No injuries were reported.

Bushfires NT director Collene Bremner told ABC Radio that a fire investigator on the scene determined the fire was “lit off the roadside”.

“We’ve certainly reported it to police as a deliberate ignition, which just blows your mind that people continue to do that type of thing,” she said.

Ms Bremner added that “throwing burning things” out of a car window could be behind the blaze.

Crews had remained onsite until 2:30am and returned this morning to check for hotspots.

“The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious,” NT Police said in a statement.

“Investigators are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area or may have dash cam footage to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference number 10422084.”