Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service responded to a vehicle fire in Katherine early this morning.
Around 2:05am, Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a Prime Mover Truck was on fire along the Stuart Highway. When the fire was detected, the driver decoupled the trailers it was hauling that contained dangerous goods including aerosol cans and lithium batteries.
Katherine Fire Station members attended and extinguished the blaze.
Traffic diversions were put in place and community members were evacuated from the area due to the large quantity of black smoke caused by the fire.
Fire Investigators attended and investigations remain ongoing.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen hunter said, "I would like to commend the drivers quick thinking in decoupling the truck from the trailers that were carrying dangerous good.
"This no doubt prevented a more significant result.
"It is a timely reminder to be mindful about battery storage and other safety aspects pertaining to lithium batteries.
"If a lithium battery is emitting smoke or fire, evacuate the area and close the doors is it is safe to do so to slow the spread of fire.
"Remember the vented battery gases, vapour and smoke are highly toxic and flammable and must not be inhaled.
"Call Triple Zero (000) and wait in a safe location for firefighters to arrive.
"Stay informed about fire safety and make sure to fireproof your residence if you are away for the festive season."
