‘Above average’ bushfire season expected after Territory Day

The countdown to Territory Day’s explosive celebrations is almost over but it also comes with a warning of an ‘above average’ bushfire danger this dry season.

As Territorians prepare for an explosive evening celebrating the NT’s decades of self-government, fireworks enthusiasts are being urged to be “extra conscious” of the risks.

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Minister Kate Worden said Territory Day was an annual event everyone looked forward to but one that also came with an element of danger.

“Given that we’ve come off the back of a very, very good wet season and we’ve got a high fuel load … we need to be extra conscious this year around how and where we set off our fireworks,” Ms Worden said.

“(Make) sure that our surroundings are free from those big fuel loads and that we’re in areas that are safe to do so.”

Ms Worden said it was important the Territory’s firefighters weren’t “constantly putting out fires” on Territory Day.

“We have to make sure that we are celebrating (instead),” she said.

Bureau of Meteorology hazard preparedness and response manager Shenagh Gamble said Territorians could expect higher than average fire danger ratings this dry season. Picture: Thomas Morgan

The warning comes as the Territory barrels towards this year’s bushfire season.

Bureau of Meteorology hazard preparedness and response manager Shenagh Gamble said she expected drier weather throughout the rest of the dry season.

Ms Gamble said the higher fuel load after the past three year’s “above average rainfall” and drier air were a dangerous combination for fire.

“In fact, the climate outlook for the rest of the dry season is suggesting that we would have above average fire danger ratings for the rest of the dry season,” she said.

“At this point, as we look ahead to the Territory Day weekend, we have very good confidence that we won’t be issuing fire weather warnings because the fire conditions across most of the Northern Territory are moderate or even lower.”

United Workers Union secretary Erina Early said NT fireys did what they could with what they had on Territory Day. Picture: Floss Adams

But with a higher than average fire danger on the cards for the remainder of the Dry, emergency services staff shortages are an ongoing concern for frontline workers.

United Workers Union secretary Erina Early said firefighter morale was low as the decade-old issue remained unsolved.

“The NTFRS has been in crisis for awhile now and only band aid solutions are being thrown at it,” she said.

“Territory Day is always a high risk day for fire fighters and other emergency responders.

“Our fireys do a great job to the ensure this safety of the community and continue to do this with the limited resources they have.”

In estimates hearing last week, emergency services finance director Paul Kelly said firefighters had lodged 51,000 hours in overtime this financial year, worth $4.9m.