Easter long weekend is a great time to prepare your property

As firebreaks must be installed by May 4th the Easter long weekend is a great time to prepare your property.

Firebreaks are a legal requirement in rural residential areas around Darwin, Adelaide River and Katherine. The absence of firebreaks on a property creates unnecessary risk for you, your neighbours and firefighters. The action you take now can help prevent the devastation that wildfire can cause.

What a perfect time to clear and remove unwanted rubbish and vegetation from around your home.

Firebreaks must be:

• no less than 4m wide
• installed around the perimeter of your property, house and other permanent structures
• free of vegetation more than 50mm high.

As many Territorians will be staying home over Easter, it's the perfect time for landowners to install or maintain their firebreaks.

If you plan to reduce fuel loads by early burning, you must first obtain a permit to burn. You can get advice and a permit from your local volunteer bushfire brigade or fire warden visit denr.nt.gov.au/firebreaks for more information.

If you have gamba grass, you must install and maintain a 15m wide buffer zone that is free of gamba grass to prevent its spread. The buffer zone must be along all boundaries and driveways, and around all structures of the property.

It is exceptionally important landowners do their bit to prepare for the fast approaching fire season.

Don’t be the weak link in bushfire safety for your neighbourhood this year.

If we all do our bit, we will get through this fire season together safely.