Smoke from prescribed fires and other smaller fires south of Darwin that pushed a smoky haze across the region on Tuesday morning led to NT Health issuing an advisory for Top End residents.

The controlled burns of more than 12,000 hectares of scrubland at Darwin River Dam and Deepwater Station began over the weekend and are expected to continue through the rest of the month, which brought a lot of smoke to the Greater Darwin region on Tuesday.

Darwin’s air quality rose to unhealthy levels on Monday afternoon, according to the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority and early Tuesday morning, the air quality again deteriorated to unhealthy levels.

On Tuesday, Darwin and Palmerston also ranked among the top ten most polluted cities in Australia.

Both cities recorded PM2.5 concentrations – a measure of the tiny particles found in smoke – nearly five times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guidelines at one point.

Bushfires NT director Colleen Bremner said a private contractor had also been carrying out burns in the Darwin area, which also contributed to more smoke. There were also other burns being carried out over the weekend at Shoal Bay, Point Stuart and Twin Hills.

NT Health warned residents in Greater Darwin the smoky conditions that harm health.

Aside from its impact on visibility and air quality, heavy smoke may cause people to experience reactions like itchy or burning eyes, sore throat, runny nose, and coughing, the department said.

These common irritations can be managed by avoiding prolonged periods outdoors where possible.

NT Health said heavy smoke conditions can be more dangerous for people with existing lung and heart conditions.

NT Health also recommends using the AirRater app to check air quality. Air quality at your location can be monitored through the app, along with information about bushfires and planned burns.

During times of poor air quality, people with respiratory conditions or illnesses are encouraged to:

• avoid physical outdoor activity
• stay indoors, with windows and doors closed where possible
• if using your air-conditioner, set it to recirculate
• follow your asthma action plan and seek immediate medical advice or care if needed, and
• call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.