Bushfires NT
Rural landholders arebeing urged to stay safe and protect their home and family during the Julyschool holidays.
This means having asolid plan in place and preparing properties against the risk ofwildfires.
Bushfires NT ExecutiveDirector, Collene Bremner, said the mid-year school holidays is always a busyperiod for staff and volunteers each and every year.
Theres no guaranteeour crews will be able to respond to each and every call if fires get out ofcontrol and thats why families need to have a fire management plan, MsBremner said.
Earlier this week wedealt with significant fires near Batchelor and Fly Creek that impacted severalproperties, which either had high fuel loads and/or no fire breaks.
Ms Bremner said the TopEnd fire danger period and area would be declared from 1 July to 31 December2019.
This means that apermit to burn is required anywhere within the declared area before any burningis conducted and a person must not leave an area before thoroughlyextinguishing any fire they have lit," Ms Bremner said.
The declared area liesnorth of the 19th parallel of South latitude (approximately 70km north of Tennant Creek).
Failure to comply withthese conditions could result in substantial penalties, as well as puttinglives, property and the environment at risk.
Ms Bremner said thereare a few simple tips rural landholders should follow to protect their homesand families during the Top End fire season.
Thisincludes keeping fuel loads to a minimum around your property by clearing awaydried grass, dead leaves and branches, Ms Bremner said.
Trimback trees that overhang structures and control or eradicate grassy weedspecies.
Maintaina well-cut lawn around your home and install firebreaks that are free fromslashed or dead material and dont have any vegetation more than 50 millimetreshigh.
Makesure you have plenty of water and the right equipment to put out a fire, ifnecessary.
The fundamental principle established by the Bushfires Management Act 2016 is that theresponsibility for bushfire management rests with the landholder.
Firebreakshelp save lives and limit the spread of wildfires, Ms Bremner said.
Wealso urge the public to report illegal or suspiciousactivity in their community to police on 131 444 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Go to www.denr.nt.gov.au/bushfires
