Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) crews were called to several fires in Tennant Creek over the weekend, with significant volunteer and auxiliary support keeping the community safe under challenging conditions.
At approximately 2:40pm on Sunday, a fire was reported at the rear of a property located south of Tennant Creek in the Hobby Farms area. Initial reports indicated a small grassfire, however the blaze quickly spread due to high winds, heavy fuel loads and difficult access.
The fire was brought under control by 5:00pm after burning through 48 hectares. Crews fought hard to ensure no community assets were lost and defended several car bodies and abandoned sheds.
The fire jumped containment lines several times and reignited shortly after 6:00pm, likely due to debris and large amounts of rubbish being fanned by winds. Crews quickly reattended and worked for a further two hours to bring the fire under control.
During this time, NTFRS also received reports of fires at Mulga Camp on the other side of town. With crews fully committed at Hobby Farms, NT Police attended in the first instance and assessed the situation until NTFRS could respond. On arrival, crews worked to contain and extinguish the fire to prevent further spread.
On returning from that incident, crews were dispatched to further reports of children deliberately lighting fires with fuel on the football oval, followed shortly after by another fire in the vicinity of the ovals.
Senior Station Officer Keith Hutton praised the tireless efforts of Tennant Creek volunteers and auxiliaries but said that it was disappointing to see reckless behaviour during high fire danger periods.
"Our volunteers and auxiliaries are incredible in the way they support their communities. After attending several large-scale incidents, they continued to front up and protect Tennant Creek," he said,
"Our local crews have contributed well over 150 hours to protecting the community in the last week on top of their commitment to their own families and professional lives. Yesterday's events show just how much we rely on their dedication."
Mr Hutton also reminded residents of the heightened risk in the region.
"Barkly North and Barkly South are currently under a Fire Danger Period Declaration until the end of October. Extreme fire weather conditions, low humidity, high temperatures, strong southeasterly winds mean any fire can spread rapidly and be very difficult to control."
"We urge landholders to do their part, maintain firebreaks around properties, reduce fuel loads near homes, sheds and structures and ensure clear access for firefighters."
Anyone who sees an unattended fire or suspicious activity should call 000 immediately.
