Bushfires NT advise that a Fire Danger Period has been declared until the 31 March 2015 in the Central Australia region.
Bushfires NT Senior Regional Fire Control Officer, Troy Munckton said the area where the Fire Danger Period will be enforced is south of the 20th parallel of south latitude which crosses the Territory about 40km south of Tennant Creek.
“During the Fire Danger Period landholders will require a permit to conduct any controlled burns,” Mr Munckton said.
“There will be little difference for landholders within the Alice Springs Fire Protection Zone, which is a circle of radius 50km centred on Alice Springs Airport, as they are required to obtain a permit at all times.
“It is predicted that the Central Australia fire season will not be any more intense than usual as fuel levels are generally low to the East, however some areas in the West have had some rainfall resulting in reasonable fuel growth.
“Bushfires NT have done a great deal of preparation for this fire season including re-establishing strategic firebreaks around Alice Springs and establishing over 300km of firebreaks and around the region.
“Bushfires NT are continuing to coordinate establishment of strategic firebreaks through the region and are currently working with pastoralists, Aboriginal Lands Corporations, Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT and other stakeholders to assist in their preparation, while mitigation works are being carried out in many road corridor areas.
“An extra staff member will be assisting in the area for the duration of the season and we have contingency plans in place to bring in further staff and equipment resources at short notice if required during the season.
“Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade has completed its preparations and has 20 trained volunteers and a strong contingent of firefighting equipment ready to utilise when required.
“With the Central Australia bushfire season now upon us, we would like to remind landholders to be prepared - make sure all firefighting equipment is in good working order, establish firebreaks now, ensure fire access trails are clear and usable, and remove any fuel close to buildings or other assets.
“People should have a plan and make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire.
Please call 000 to report any dangerous fires.
Go to www.lrm.nt.gov.au/bushfires for more information about Bushfires NT.
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Media Note – for more information / interview please call Troy Muckton on 0407 612 219.
