Bushfires NT

Bushfire prevention

Firebreaks
Aerial burning
Ground burning
Wildfire control
Information for travellers
Fire danger ratings

Firebreaks

A firebreak

Fire breaks are basically access trails that enable vehicle access to fight fires. They will stop a fire under mild conditions and are essential as control lines from which back burning may be undertaken to stop wildfires in extreme conditions.

In the Vernon and Katherine bushfire regions firebreaks must be continuous around all external boundaries, however they can deviate around wet or rocky areas and large trees. In other bushfire regions there are differing standards for firebreaks suited to local conditions. Contact your Regional Fire Control Officer for details.

In all regions fire breaks should also be established around assets and may be required in other areas of a large property.

They should be:

a minimum of 4m wide;and
graded, or slashed to a maximum height of 50mm with all slashed material removed; or
lawn or cultivated garden.

Under Section 47 of the Bushfires Act the Director has the authority to order the establishment of firebreaks on any land which represents a wildfire threat.

The object of the Bushfire Council’s annual Firebreak Enforcement Program is to ensure that a minimum standard of fire cover exists within the more closely settled rural areas of the Vernon and Katherine Regions. Landholders may receive warnings regarding their responsibility. After a period of 11 days those that have not complied are issued with Firebreak Notices detailing the work required.

Landholders failing to comply with a notice have committed a offence and may be prosecuted. The Chief Fire Control Officer has the authority to issue an order empowering Bushfires staff to enter the property and undertake the required works.

Aerial burning

Aerial burning operations are carried out at the end of the rainy season in the Katherine, VRD, Gulf and Top End (Vernon & Arafura) regions on an annual basis. Aerial controlled burning aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of wildlfires in the late ‘dry’ season (August-November). The main aim of this program is to reduce fuel loads, some of which is created by introduced exotic grasses. Read more about exotic grasses in the weeds branch web pages.

Ground burning

Ground control
using a drip torch

Ground control burning is carried out throughout the Territory on an annual basis to reduce fuel loads and create strategic barriers against the spread of wildfires. Bushfires council staff and volunteers work with landholders to plan and implement fuel reduction programs.

Wildfire control

Backburning to help
prevent wildfire spread.

Wildfire’s are a fact a way of life throughout the Territory, even though fuel reduction programs are carried out. Bushfires council staff and volunteers are often called out on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of wildfires, which can sometimes cover thousands of square kilometres. Where population levels are low, some fires can go unchecked for weeks.

Useful information for travellers

Wildfire

Many visitors to the Northern Territory often see fires burning along roadsides or in bushland that appear unattended. Usually that’s because they are lit to manage land. Many fires are lit to prevent destructive wildfires occurring later in the season (August to November).

Bushfires and driving

If you encounter a bushfire while driving and if there is a lot of smoke…

Turn on your headlights
Slow down and be aware that there could be people, vehicles, large trucks and livestock on the road
Follow directions of police and firefighters if present; and
If you cannot see clearly, pull over to the side of the road, stop your vehicle, and wait until the smoke clears.

Camp fires

Camp fires can be lit when:

A four metre radius around the fire has been cleared of flammable material
The fire is attended at all times
They can be completely extinguished with water or soil.

Should bush fires be reported?

Bushfires in the early dry season in the Top End do not need to be reported unless they are a threat to property or land values. Many of these fires have been lit to manage land. Bushfires in the later months (August - November) can be reported by contacting the Bushfires Council.

Fire danger ratings

Rating	Definition
Low	High humidity, rainfall and the bush is wet
Moderate	High humidity, rainfall and little wind. The bush is damp
High	Warm Conditions, with some wind. The bush is dry
Very High	Hot, windy conditions. The bush is dry and the use of open fires is prohibited
Extreme	Very Hot and windy. The bush is very dry and fires may be unmanageable.

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