Extension of Fire Danger Area Declaration to include parts of Central Australia
Bushfires NT and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) have extended the declaration of a fire danger area from the existing declaration in the Top End to the 21st parallel, located approximately 150 kilometres south of Tennant Creek. This declaration will remain in effect for a fire danger period from 25 August 2023 to 29 February 2024.
In the designated fire danger area, it is mandatory for all landholders to obtain a permit to burn under the Bushfires Management Act 2016. Individuals must ensure that any fires they ignite are thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in substantial penalties.
The latest bushfire outlook report was released by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) earlier this week. This report highlights an elevated bushfire risk across Central Australia due to an increase in fuel loads resulting from higher-than-average rainfall. During the upcoming months, the Barkly, Tanami, Alice Springs, and Lassiter forecast regions are set to experience temperatures above the median, coupled with dry and windy conditions.
These climatic conditions further exacerbate the bushfire risk in these areas. Bushfires NT chief fire control officer, Tony Fuller, said unseasonal rainfall had significantly increased the risk of catastrophic fires this year. Mr Fuller urged landholders to reduce fuel loads and finalise their bushfire survival plans before it’s too late.
“80 per cent of the Territory burnt during the 2011-12 season, and due to consecutive La Nina years and above average temperatures forecast this summer, this could repeat again this season,” Mr Fuller said.
NTFRS and Bushfires NT would like to remind the public that the central Australian bushfire season will extend throughout 2024. They strongly urge everyone to stay informed about fire danger ratings, bushfire advice, and warnings and to be prepared to implement your Bushfire Survival Plan. Preparing and taking early action can make a significant difference in how a bushfire may affect you and your neighbours. Firebreaks are one the best ways to protect yourself and your community.
Ensure they are at least 4 meters wide and any vegetation within is below 50mm. Attempting to install firebreaks on days forecasted as extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating is too late and poses a significant risk of igniting fires. Landholders should have appropriate firefighting equipment (including a water supply) readily available and carefully assess the best time of day and weather conditions for such activities.
For more information on the bushfire outlook for September to November 2023, visit Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Spring 2023.
For Fire Ban information and bushfire advice and warnings, visit Secure NT.
Go to Bushfires for more information about your responsibilities and how to prepare for a bushfire.
