2 July 2025
NT Fire and Rescue Services (NTFRS) and Bushfires NT commended Territorians for their overall responsible behaviour during last night's Territory Day celebrations. However, emergency services were still called to a number of incidents caused by unsafe or careless use of fireworks.
Key issues included grassfires in unprepared or unmanaged areas and rubbish bin fires ignited by still-hot fireworks.
Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell AFSM praised the swift and professional actions of NTFRS crews.
"Our teams did an outstanding job last night, especially considering the challenging start to the evening with two major structure fires in the afternoon," he said.
"Crews were first called to a structure fire in Humpty Doo involving a residence, and shortly after to another structure fire in Yarrawonga industrial estate. Fortunately, both properties were unoccupied, and no injuries occurred, but both structures suffered significant damage. Fire investigators will determine the cause."
Bushfires NT also mounted a major response, with both volunteer brigades and full-time crews on duty throughout the night.
Executive Director of Bushfires NT, Jacqui Forrest, acknowledged the teamwork and response efforts of the bushfire volunteers and staff across the Territory.
"In the past 24 hours Bushfires NT volunteers and staff have managed 9 going wildfires and responded to a further 25 incidents across the Territory last night. I want to thank our dedicated volunteers for their hard work and ongoing commitment to their communities," she said.
Summary of NT Fire and Rescue Service responses over the past 24 hours:
· 150 grassfires
· 16 rubbish bin fires
· 3 structure fires
· 6 automatic fire alarms
· 1 road crash rescue
· 2 vehicle fires
