Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and Bushfires NT (BFNT) are gearing up for the central Australian bushfire season while the Top End season comes to an end.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer said "With the end of the Top End Fire Danger Period last week, I would like to thank all our amazing team of volunteer, auxiliary and career firefighters along with the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre operators, who worked tirelessly this season to keep Territorians and businesses safe."
During the Top End Fire Danger Period from 27 June to 14 October 2022, firefighters in the Top End Emergency Response Areas responded to nearly 1000 wildfires. Over 700 of these fires occurred within the greater Darwin area alone. The NTFRS issued 5 Watch and Acts and 1 Emergency Warning for dangerous fires occurring within the greater Darwin area.
"It's been a challenging bushfire season with large, fast moving and dangerous wildfires occurring within busy urban areas. Our firefighters have worked hard in dangerous conditions to limit the impact of bushfires to the community and to protect life, property and the environment."
On 14 October 2022, Bushfires NT declared a Fire Danger Period for Central Australia though to 28 February for anywhere south of the 19th parallel of south latitude (approximately 70km north of Tennant Creek).
District Officer of Southern Command Stephen Hunter said "This year we are hoping to not only educate but to urge residents to report suspicious behaviour.
"A Fire Danger Period has now been declared for Central Australia. This means if you're within the Fire Danger Area you will require a permit to burn for all fires. All permitted fires must then be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
"For information about permits to burn, go to: www.pfes.nt.gov.au/permitstoburn.
"Grass fuel loads in some areas of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Ti Tree and Yulara are high following good grass growth from successive rainfall events. Properties without compliant 4 metre wide firebreaks are at particularly high risk from both naturally occurring fires and illegally lit fires. Remember firebreaks are only effective if free of dead material, and vegetation is kept to below 50 millimetres high.
"There is still time prepare a bushfire survival plan for yourself, your family and your home. It's up to you to monitor conditions and keep up to date with the Fire Danger Rating as we move through the season. Having as much information as possible will allow you and your family to make the best decisions in the event of an emergency. The NTFRS has responded to nearly 100 fires within Alice Springs already this October.
"If you see suspicious behaviour you are urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In the event of a fire, always call Triple Zero."
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