Bushfires NT and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) have extended the declaration of a fire danger area to include the southern portion of the Northern Territory.
A fire danger period from 9 September 2023 to 29 February 2024 will cover the area from the South Australian border north to the 21st parallel, intersecting with Ali Curung.
This means the entire Northern Territory will be declared a fire danger area from tomorrow.
Throughout the entire Northern Territory, it is mandatory for all landholders to obtain a permit to burn under the Bushfires Management Act 2016 (‘The Act”).
Individuals must ensure that any fires they ignite are thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in substantial penalties under the Act.
The latest Spring 2023 seasonal bushfire outlook report was released by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) in August. This report highlights an elevated bushfire risk across Central Australia due to an increase in vegetation fuel loads resulting from higher-than-average rainfall.
During the upcoming months, the Barkly, Tanami, Alice Springs and Lassiter forecast regions are set to experience temperatures above median, coupled with drier and windier conditions than the median.
These climatic conditions further exacerbate the bushfire risk in these areas.
Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer, Tony Fuller, said unseasonal rainfall had significantly increased the risk of catastrophic fires this year. Mr Fuller urged landholders to reduce fuel loads and finalise their bushfire survival plans before it’s too late.
“80 per cent of the Territory was burnt during the 2011-12 season from wildfires, and due to consecutive La Nina years and above average temperatures forecast this summer, this could repeat again this season,” Mr Fuller said.
NTFRS and Bushfires NT would like to remind the public that the central Australian bushfire season will extend throughout 2024. They strongly urge everyone to stay informed about fire danger ratings issued by the Australian Fire Danger Rating System through the Bureau of Meteorology, bushfire advice and warnings issued and to be prepared to implement your Bushfire Survival Plan when conditions deteriorate.
Preparing and taking early action can make a significant difference in how a bushfire may affect yourself and your neighbours. Firebreaks measuring a width of 4 metres minimum with vegetation cut below 50mm around your property and assets are one the best ways to protect yourself and your community.
Attempting to install firebreaks on days forecasted as extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating is too late and poses a significant risk of igniting fires due to sparks from mowers, slashers and heavy machinery. Landholders need to ensure they have appropriate firefighting equipment (including a water supply) readily available and carefully assess the best time of day and weather conditions for such activities.
