Install and maintain firebreaks

A firebreak is an area clear of bush and other flammable material.

You must install and maintain your firebreaks.

This is a requirement under the Bushfires Management Act 2016 and the Fire and Emergency Act 1996.

Your firebreaks must:

• be at least 4 metres wide
• be installed around the perimeter of your property
• be installed around your house or any other permanent structure, stationary engine or flammable materials
• not have any vegetation more than 50mm high and free from slashed or dead material
• be installed annually by 1 June.

Read more about fire safety on rural blocks.

Responsibility

The landholder is responsible for establishing and maintaining a firebreak. This is unless alternative arrangements have been made between the land occupier and owner, such as a tenancy agreement.

If you have gamba grass

You must avoid its spread by having a 15 metre wide buffer free of gamba.

You must install and maintain it along property boundaries, driveways and structures.

Read more about controlling gamba grass.

Penalty

If you fail to install and maintain firebreaks, you can get a fine.

Contact

For fire protection zones:

• contact Bushfires NT or your nearest volunteer bushfire brigade
• go to the Bushfires NT Facebook page.

For emergency response areas:

• contact your local fire station, go to the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) website
• go to the NTPFES Facebook page.