Wildfires in Australia today
So far in 2026, 17,473,370 hectares have burned in Australia — 50% below the 20-year average. Right now 1 wildfire is burning.
17,473,370 hectares so far this year, 50% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Australia ranks 16th for area burned relative to its average.
Named fires in Northern Territory, Australia
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
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The tropical savannas of northern Australia are among the most frequently burned landscapes on Earth, and much of the land that burns in Australia each year is in the north. In the Northern Territory, fire is part of the yearly cycle of the Top End, while Central Australia sees large grass fires after good rains.
Bushfires NT is responsible for fire management outside the major towns, and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service covers the towns. This map shows every fire hotspot detected by NASA satellites in the Northern Territory, together with the named fires we track.
Today across Australia
Three fires are still burning in Australia, covering some 950 hectares between them. The biggest by far is near Dajarra, at around 500 hectares. Eight more broke out over the past week.
It is a quiet year. Australia has lost 17,369,357 hectares so far, well below its usual 34,770,448 hectares—the 16th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Dajarra it is hot and dry, with a gentle wind and no rain in sight over the next 48 hours.
Updated 19 Oct
Northern Territory wildfire season
In the Top End the fire season follows the dry season, roughly from May to October, with the hottest, most intense fires late in the dry. Many early dry-season fires are lit on purpose, including by Aboriginal ranger groups, to reduce fuel and protect country from late-season wildfires.
In Central Australia, fire risk depends on rain: after wet years, grass grows thick and can carry very large fires in spring and summer.
Main causes & risk factors
- A long dry season after the wet season grows dense grass
- Late dry-season fires that burn hotter and further
- Large grass fires in Central Australia after wet years
- Lightning storms at the start of the wet season
Safety & preparedness
- Check the Fire Danger Rating and official NT warnings
- Follow permit rules for lighting fires in the dry season
- Expect smoke on roads during the dry season and drive to conditions
- Keep firebreaks around homes and properties
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Frequently asked questions
When is bushfire season in the Northern Territory?
In the Top End it follows the dry season, roughly May to October. In Central Australia the risk depends on rain: after wet years, grass fires can be very large.
Why are there so many fires in the Northern Territory?
The tropical savannas burn almost every year, and many early dry-season fires are lit on purpose to reduce fuel and prevent bigger late-season fires.
Who manages bushfires in the Northern Territory?
Bushfires NT outside the major towns, and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service in the towns.
Where does this map's data come from?
Fire hotspots come from NASA's FIRMS satellites, which detect active fires several times a day.