Bushfires NT (BFNT) and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) have officially launched the 2025-26 Central Australia bushfire season.
The season will run from today until March 2026 and authorities are calling on residents, landholders and communities to get prepared by developing bushfire survival plans, maintaining firebreaks and staying up to date with fire danger ratings and emergency warnings.
Territorians are urged to take these simple steps to prepare for this year's season:
Create a bushfire survival plan - make sure everyone in your household understands it and knows what to do in the event of a fire emergency. Establish firebreaks - these need to be at least 4 metres wide and are essential for allowing firefighters access to protect your property in the event of a bushfire. Know the Australian Fire Danger Rating System here (AFDRS) - it's your early warning to act.Understand the Australian Warning System here - know what actions to take when a bushfire warning escalates from 'Advice' to 'Watch and Act' to 'Emergency.'Stay informed via SecureNT, ABC radio and BFNT and NTFRS social media.
No burn permits will be issued in Emergency Response Areas (ERA) during the bushfire season, and those living in a Fire Management Zone (FMZ) are required to obtain a permit during the declared fire danger periods. People in a Fire Protection Zone (FPZ) are reminded that they must obtain a permit for all year around.
Fuel reduction programs are already underway across Central Australia with NTFRS and Bushfires NT working together to reduce risks and support frontline firefighting efforts.
Quotes attributable to Bushfires NT A/Executive Director, Jacqui Forrest:
"Bushfire management is everyone's responsibility. It is important that landholders, councils and pastoralists work together with Bushfires NT to keep the broader community safe."
"The best way to protect your family and neighbours is to act now. Simple actions like clearing fuel loads, checking fire breaks and ensuring bushfire survival plans are up to date can make a life-saving difference."
"The Australian Fire Danger Rating System is your early warning, use it as your trigger for action and encourage everyone to familiarise themselves and check the rating before carrying out work on their blocks."
Quotes attributable to NTFRS Chief Fire Officer, Stephen Sewell AFSM:
"Fires are serious business and can cause damage to property and loss of life. Now is the time to get prepared."
"Make sure your property is free from combustibles around all buildings, and ensure your firebreaks are in place within your boundary."
"Official fire bans and restrictions are in place for community safety. Think before commencing work outdoors, and if there's a fire in your area, stay tuned to SecureNT and to local radio to monitor its progress and location."
"Report all fires to 000, don't rely on others to do it and look out for your neighbours!"
