NT fire and rescue services responded to over 3000 fire incidents in through the 2021 bushfire season

The NT Fire and Rescue Service responded to 3733 fire related incidents throughout the 2021 Top End bushfire season.

THE NT Fire and Rescue Service responded to 3733 fire related incidents throughout the 2021 Top End bushfire season.

From May 1 to October 28, crews responded to 1296 grassfires, 902 vehicle crashes, 171 structure fires, 1169 automatic fire alarms, 8 domestic smoke alarms, 72 illegal burns, 87 medical assists and 28 hazmat incidents.

A rescheduled Cracker Night, moved from the traditional July 1 to August 29, posed a challenge for emergency services who responded to more than 300 grassfires in a five hour period.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Spain AFSM said the move into the Palmerston Complex would help quicken responses for the 2022 season.

“Having Cracker Night rescheduled to a later date posed new challenges for the fire service. We responded to more than 300 grassfires Territory wide within a five-hour period,” Mr Spain said.

“Preparing for the future, the NT Fire Rescue Service will be moving into the new Palmerston Regional Fire and Emergency Service Complex.

“This move will assist our members to respond with a more appropriate capability for the 2022 bushfire season.”

This year’s bushfire season saw the introduction of Australian Warning System, which provides a standardised guideline across all of Australia’s emergency response jurisdictions for natural disasters.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all firefighters and support personnel for all their efforts they’ve given this season,” Mr Spain said.

“Fire crews witnessed severe weather conditions, however, we are grateful that the weather did not reach the extremes originally predicted.

“Our auxiliary and volunteer members in the Northern Command went above and beyond to serve and protect the community, even working independently in remote areas.”

Permit burns will be available later in the wet season with information available at pfes.nt.gov.au/permitstoburn.