A Territory man who illegally started a bushfire that burned for 11 days at Djukbinj National Park two years ago has received a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty in the NT Supreme Court.

James Armstrong’s sentence matches that of his co-accused, Thomas Nicholas Harvey Sticpewich, who was sentenced for the same offence earlier this year after pleading guilty.

Bushfires NT executive director Colleen Bremner welcomed the sentences imposed on the men and said it should “serve as a warning” that anyone setting illegal fires will be prosecuted.

“The fire was deliberately lit during a fire ban period, placing our staff, volunteers and environment at risk of harm and diverting resources away from other emergencies,” she said.

“The resulting wildfire burned for 11 days, burning 166 square kilometres, including 2300 hectares of pasture on an adjoining pastoral station, with several nearby landholders also having to divert resources to fight the fire when it entered their land.

“Every year, there are more than 100 deliberately lit fires across the Top End, and today’s outcome is a reminder to the broader community that everyone should comply with NT’s fire laws, and suspicious matters brought to our attention will be investigated.”

Ms Bremner added that wildfires pose a significant danger to the environment and the community when illegal burning occurs.

Djukbinj National Park is a wetland of national significance 80km east of Darwin and protects a significant breeding area for magpie geese, herons, and egrets.

After pleading guilty to a related firearms charge earlier this month, Armstrong was also convicted and fined in the Darwin Local Court, forfeiting his firearms and suspending his firearms license.

Ms Bremner said anyone with information on illegal fires should contact Crimestoppers at 1800 333 000 or Police on 131 444 or 000 in an emergency so that they can be investigated and appropriate action taken to prevent environmental harm.