Protect Your Patch on Territory Day
Rural landholders are being urged to stay safe and protect their patch this Territory Day.
This means having a solid plan in place and preparing properties against the risk of firecrackers causing wildfires.
Bushfires NT Executive Director, Collene Bremner, said Territory Day was one of the busiest for staff and volunteers each and every year.
Ms Bremner said bushfires can put lives, property and the environment at risk, and this year more than any other in recent history, is set to place heavy demands on volunteer crews.
“We want rural landholders to enjoy themselves and stay safe when letting off fireworks,” Ms Bremner said.
“This means following a few simple steps to protect your home and community from wildfires on Territory Day, so everyone can have a good time.
“This includes keeping fuel loads to a minimum around your property by clearing away dried grass, dead leaves and branches.
“Trim back trees that overhang structures and control or eradicate grassy weed species.
“Maintain a well-cut lawn around your home and install firebreaks that are free from slashed or dead material and don’t have any vegetation more than 50 millimetres high.
“Make sure you have plenty of water and the right equipment to put out a fire, should one start.
“Territory Day is one of our busiest of the year and there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to respond to each and every call out if fires get out of control.
“Strong winds and cooler weather on top of a very wet, Wet Season, has also resulted in 2018 being one of our busiest starts to a fire season on record.”
The fundamental principle established by the Bushfires Management Act is that the responsibility for bushfire management rests with the landholder.
“Firebreaks help save lives and limit the spread of wildfires,” Ms Bremner said.
“Failure to do so could result in a fine or imprisonment.
“We also urge the public to report illegal or suspicious activity in their community to police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Go to www.nt.gov.au/bushfires for more information about Bushfires NT.
