Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services is urging rural residents south of Heavitree Gap to get started on fire breaks in anticipation for a higher than usual bushfire season across the Southern Region.
Acting District Officer for the Southern Region, Stephen Hunter said fire stations across the Barkly and Southern Region had been proactively working with Bushfires NT, local councils and communities in anticipation of this year's bushfire season.
"The big widespread rains earlier this year resulted in an explosion of grasses across the region, which means higher fuel loads and a higher fire risk," said A/DO Hunter.
"If you haven't taken action now then you need to start preparing your properties."
"This year's bushfire season for the Southern Region is expected to start early with the increase of fuel, so it's imperative for rural residents to start planning their property maintenance, and to support this fire permits will be open to rural residents from the 1st of April."
A fire permit allows permit holders to burn green waste in a controlled environment.
"The benefits of having a permit is that it provides the local fire service with a time, date and place of a planned green waste burn," said A/DO Hunter.
"It's a good tool and opportunity to clear and prepare fire breaks prior to the peak bushfire season."
"We encourage all rural residents to start planning their property maintenance and apply for fire permits now."
The occupier or, if there is no occupier, the owner of land in an emergency response area must ensure a firebreak is created and maintained along the entire boundary of the land. The fire break must be either bare earth or grass not exceeding 50mm high, or lawn or cultivated garden.
For further information on fire permits or rural property requirements, go to https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/permitstoburn
