Answers revealed: Can you light a fire in your backyard in the top end?

FIRE pits are a popular addition to the relaxed tropical life of the Northern Territory’s Top End. But are they actually legal?

• Firefighters continue to monitor fires and suspicious areas across the Top End
• Firefighters continue to monitor fires and suspicious areas across the Top End

FIRE pits are a popular addition to the relaxed tropical life of the Northern Territory’s Top End.

But are they actually legal?

An NT News investigation has found lighting a fire in your back yard is legal in Darwin and Palmerston, provided they are done so in approved fireplace, are kept in control and are not done in an emergency area or on a fire ban day.

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NT Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said according to the fire and emergencies act,

“A person must not, in an emergency response area, light a fire, or cause a fire to be lit, in the open air unless permitted by or under (the Fire and Emergency) Act,” she said.

“(This does not apply) for the purposes of meal preparation or personal comfort in accordance with the requirement in the regulations … or for a prescribed purpose in accordance with the requirements specified in the regulation.”

Lighting fire pits in backyards are legal providing they meet certain criteria

Permit holders may also be exempt.

However, fire ban days prohibit the lighting of any fire, including fire pits.

“A person must not light a fire in the open air or allow a fire in the open air to remain alight in an emergency response area on a day declared to be a fire ban day in that emergency response area,” the spokesman said.

“NT Fire Regulations specify this as an offence under the Fire and Emergency Act and infringements can be issued starting at $668.”

According to the local councils, both Darwin and Palmerston residents are permitted to light fires in approved fireplaces or barbecues, however Darwin council is looking to further address by-laws surrounding fire pits.

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“Darwin will be seeking input from Darwin based experts in each area regarding the review and update of our By-Laws, including a consultation period,” a Darwin council spokesman said.

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