Bushfires

Bushfires are a fact of life in the Northern Territory. Many visitors driving in rural or outlying areas can be alarmed when they see fires, apparently unattended, burning along roadsides or in the bush. Many of these fires are lit to prevent destructive wildfires occurring later in the season (August to November) when conditions are tinder dry after months without rain.

Late dry season fires are potentially dangerous, not just for rural residents but for many people living in a number of Darwin suburbs fringing virgin scrub and bushland. At these times, it only takes one foolish flick of a match or a burning cigarette butt thrown from a car window onto a grass verge to start a raging wildfire that can wipe out native plants and animals, as well as manmade property.

Every Territory landholder and visitor has a clear responsibility to take extreme care when lighting or using fires.

Severe penalties apply to people who do not heed the total or partial fire bans imposed at appropriate times by the NT Bushfires Council or NT Fire Services.

If you live adjacent to bushland, you can protect your property by creating an effective firebreak.

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