Savanna fire danger period officially declared for the NT

Northern Territory fireys gave officially declared the start of the savanna fire danger period. Here’s what you need to know.

Territory fireys have officially declared the fire danger period for savanna regions. Picture: NTFRS

Territory fireys have officially declared the fire danger period for savanna regions, urging property owners to prepare for the season ahead.

Bushfires NT and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) on Thursday declared the fire danger period for areas within the Savanna Fire Management Zone, which will run until October 4.

The danger zone covers Carpentaria West, Katherine, and the Gregory, spanning townships including Larrimah, Katherine, Mataranka, Timber Creek, Kalkarindji and Daguragu.

The savanna fire warning comes in addition to the July 2 declaration for the Vernon Arafura zone – covering much of the Top End outside of Darwin and Palmerston, including Wadeye, Pine Creek and Batchelor.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell AFSM. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The fire period was declared due to typical dry season conditions, which bring stronger winds, dry vegetation and dry soil.

Maximum temperatures are also expected to be above average for the rest of this month and into August, making fires more difficult to control.

Authorities are asking all Territorians to protect lives, property, and the environment by preparing now.

• Review your bushfire survival plan and ensure all household members understand it
• Ensure firebreaks are maintained at least 4 metres wide
• Familiarise yourselves with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System and Australian Warning System
• Stay informed via SecureNT, ABC Radio, and official Bushfires NT and NTFRS social media
• Report fires to triple-0 immediately

“Bushfire safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Bushfires NT executive director Jacqui Forrest said.

“Landholders need to be prepared to manage the risk of fire on their land – maintaining firebreaks and keeping areas around structures and stationary equipment clear from flammable material will help to protect assets.

“When it comes to bushfires, preparedness is everything.

“You can play your part by having a current bushfire survival plan and going through it with all members of your household, so they know what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency.”

Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell said the NTFRS and Bushfires NT were working together to carry out fire mitigation works across the Top End, and thanked the responding crews for their “dedication and commitment to keeping the community safe”.

“This is another timely reminder to maintain your firebreaks as we head towards the tail end of the Dry season,” he said.

Originally published as Savanna fire danger period officially declared for the NT