As fireworks lit up the three-mile stretch of coastline in the capital of Australia’s remote Northern Territory, a swath of grass along the beach went up in flames.
A few revelers used tree branches to beat down the blaze; one man poured water on the fire with one hand, clutching a beer in another.
But most, having judged that the fire probably would not spread, were content to carry on setting off fireworks and waiting for firefighters to arrive to douse the conflagration, which they did after about 15 minutes.
About three feet from the fire, close enough to feel its heat, a couple lit sparklers and danced with their two young children.
Welcome to Territory Day in the Northern Territory, the one time and place in mainland Australia where anyone can set off fireworks, no permits needed and no questions asked.
Locations:
Northern Territory, Australia