Increased concerns putting cracker night in question

It seems community concerns about the serious risk of bushfires wreaking havoc if cracker night is held on August 29 may be cutting through to the government.

• Cracker Night’s fire season date fizzling as council urges rethink

IT seems community concerns about the serious risk of bushfires wreaking havoc if cracker night is held on August 29 may be cutting through with the government ministers.

Territory Day is an important day of the year in the NT. It is synonymous with letting off fireworks. Many people do it safely without causing injury or concern to neighbours and damage to property.

Territory Day must happen, but it is the question of when that is coming more into focus.

It is becoming increasingly likely those who are tasked with putting out the fires inadvertently caused by the crackers weren’t properly consulted – or asked to give their advice – before the new date was announced.

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The new date has created a great deal of anxiety for the firefighters in Darwin and the Rural Area who are very much aware of the dangers the new date poses.

Earlier this week, a total fire ban was announced for the Darwin area. Looking forward, another five weeks of dry weather is only going to make most grassy areas in the Top End even more of a tinder box.

So the question is how did the government arrive at the new date?

It would be a bit embarrassing if a third date had to be selected for Territory Day.

But the pressure is growing, and more voices, including those of Darwin council, are raising their concerns.