A massive grassfire has burnt an estimated 1500 hectares in Tennant Creek as NT Fire and Rescue Service worked with Bushfires NT to protect buildings and properties all day Tuesday, officials said on Friday.

Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre said it received a report of a grassfire around 6:40am Tuesday, moving northwest along Peko Road in the town, with the blaze continuing until 2am.

Officials did not say what they suspect started the blaze or if it was under investigation.

The firefighting operation led by the NTFRS involved a team of five members, which covered a vast area to safeguard various buildings and properties, with assistance provided by landholders who had conducted early mitigation works, including fire breaks, to help contain potential fires.

Bushfires NT Tennant Creek contributed two vehicles and four volunteers to support the firefighting efforts.

The blaze consumed an estimated 1,500 hectares, with efforts to extinguish it ending around 2:00am the following day.

“I would like to acknowledge and commend the Tennant Creek crew, which includes volunteers and part-time members, along with the Bushfires NT members, who worked in sweltering and challenging conditions to contain this fire,” NTFRS Officer in Charge of Tennant Creek Fire Station David Cowling said.

“Earlier mitigation conducted by landholders greatly assisted with the containment of the fire and certainly prevented any further loss of property. This exemplifies the importance of mitigation strategies and how crucial their implementation can be.”

The NTFRS has reminded Territorians to stay vigilant, especially during this fire season, to ensure their safety and the safety of their community.

NTFRS has also urged Territorians to keep abreast of the Australian Warning System updates, a comprehensive platform that provides real-time information about fire incidents and warnings, by viewing the Fire Incident Map at https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/incidentmap or by signing up for alerts and notifications on the NTPFES website through https://pfes.nt.gov.au/newsroom/subscribe-ntpfes-media-releases-alerts.