Crackers chaos as Territory Day celebrations explode across the NT
CHAOS reigned as fireworks have rained across the Territory during a wild evening of Territory Day celebrations
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CHAOS reigned as fireworks have rained across the Territory during a wild evening of Territory Day celebrations.
Fireworks, which could legally be let off between 6pm and 11pm Monday night, could still be heard across Darwin and other Territory towns into the early morning as NT Police warned those who continued to let them off could be in line for a hefty fine.
Fines have increased this year to $1570 for the possession and use of fireworks outside the approved period.
“People who throw, ignite or explode a firework in a way that is likely to cause damage to property or injure a person or animal may also be liable for a fine,” NT Police Senior Sergeant Dean Elliot said.
Bushfires NT and NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES), which are typically pushed to the brink on Territory Day due to fires and injuries caused by fireworks, were earlier last night poised for an even greater risk of danger after a severe fire warning was issued on Monday morning.
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But dry conditions and strong winds had eased by early Monday afternoon, offering some respite to some 19 Bushfires NT volunteer bushfire brigades across the NT and multiple other NTPFES emergency response units.
AMAZING PHOTO FROM LILY NORTH TAKEN AT MINDIL BEACH TONIGHT #territoryday pic.twitter.com/C0YqL6krqM
— The NT News (@TheNTNews) July 1, 2019
Territory Day also coincided with the commencement of the NT’s fire danger period, which will remain in place until December 31.
More than 50 fires had spread out across the NT emergency services incident map by 8pm.
Emergency services responded to a bushfire on the Katherine Airport access road after 4pm, forcing closure to parts of the Stuart Hwy.
Firefighters were still containing the blaze, which disrupted the town’s official Territory Day celebrations at Katherine Showgrounds, late into the night.
Spot fires even flared up in the CBD, with one grassfire blazing outside Evolution Apartments off Knuckey St at about 7.30pm.
How much more 'Territory' can you get? Sitting in a dry river bed, letting off crackers, with a pair of thongs on! 🙌ðŸ¼ðŸ¤£ Happy Territory Day! 💥 #TerritoryDay #Straya #AliceSprings pic.twitter.com/zWxkJKUjKO
— Claire Ryan (@clairedryan) July 1, 2019
NT Police told the NT News at 8pm that no serious incidents had occurred in the Top End.
“At this stage it’s just a pretty typical Territory Day night,” Northern Watch Commander Adrian Kidney said.
“It has been a busy night as expected — we’ve had to call in a few extra call takers, but that’s about it.”
Bushfires NT assistant director of operations Joshua Fischer said the fire danger period was instituted “in response to increased fire weather likelihood”.
Public fireworks displays at Mindil Beach and at venues in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek attracted thousands of tourists and locals.
Millner resident Austin Chin, 64, who has been celebrating Territory Day at Vesteys Beach for more than 50 years, said fireworks were a dignified way to remind the Commonwealth the Territory was suitable for self-governance.
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“It’s bloody cracker night,” he said.
“It’s a time to get together and enjoy the dry season, the beautiful sunset and to enjoy this beautiful Territory of ours.”
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