Territory Day 2024: Emergency responders gear up for cracker night, urge safety

“If there is an issue, call triple-0”: As Territorians prepare to load up on fireworks, authorities are urging for the public to put safety first ahead of the much anticipated Territory Day.

L to R: St John Ambulance regional manager Ben Minchin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell, and Bushfires NT Assistant Director Nathaniel Staniford.

As Territorians prepare to load up on fireworks, authorities are urging for the public to put safety first ahead of the much anticipated Territory Day.

On July 1, Territorians will celebrate the day the Northern Territory gained power from the Commonwealth to self-govern.

As per tradition, fireworks will be made available for purchase, with thousands of enthusiasts expected to bulk up on explosive projectiles.

At a press conference on Friday, authorities urged revellers to observe safe practice.

Bushfires NT assistant director Nathaniel Staniford reminded Territorians they were responsible for the fireworks they lit.

“Ensure you have an adequate way of extinguishing any fires that may start, clear the area of any flammable material and ensure (you’re fireworks) are not going to set anything on fire,” he said.

Bushfires NT assistant director Nathaniel Staniford, and left, Sally Cutter, urged Territorians to prepare ahead of cracker night.

Mr Staniford said volunteers would be on standby from the Top End to the Red Centre.

“We’re coming up with a plan on how we’re going to be addressing any fire incidents over cracker night; officers in Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will be co-locating with our Fire Rescue partners ready to respond to fires as they arise,” he said.

“In the Top End, we have a number of volunteers who are giving up their cracker night to serve the community.”

Mr Staniford said no chances should be taken if a fire could not be controlled.

“If there is an issue, call triple-0 immediately,” he said.

NT Fire and Rescue acting chief fire officer Stephen Sewell said authorities experienced “most” fire problems in the two days that followed cracker night.

“You need to think and consider the bushland around where you’re letting off those fireworks,” he said.

“Over the next three days people (need) to keep their gutters cleaned and make sure their lawns are wet on the day.”

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Sally Cutter said the Top End was forecasted to be humid, while Alice Springs could expect to have “cold” conditions.

St John Ambulance regional manager Ben Minchin said hand and eye injuries were among the body regions at-risk if fireworks were improperly used.

St John Ambulance regional manager Ben Minchin said health workers would be ready to respond.

“We’ve seen in the years gone by where we’ve had explosions (where) people have lost hands,” he said.

“Eye injuries as well from doing the wrong things, they can get quite serious.”

Mr Minchin said children needed to be supervised.

“Make sure (your kids) understand the risks associated with the fireworks, so don’t let them go by themselves and let the fireworks off – be there with them.”

Originally published as Territory Day 2024: Emergency responders gear up for cracker night, urge safety