NT Fire and Emergency Services Fire Danger Period Declaration – Savanna – Territorians urged to prepare now
17 July 2025
Bushfires NT (BFNT) and the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) have declared the Fire Danger Period for areas within the Savanna Fire Management Zone.
The areas are inclusive of Carpentaria West, Katherine Fire Protection Zone, Gregory North – West and Gregory South – East Fire Weather Forecast Districts. Townships within the area include Larrimah, Katherine, Mataranka, Timber Creek, Kalkarindji and Daguragu.
This fire danger period is in addition to the declaration for the neighbouring Vernon Arafura Fire Management Zone.
The Fire Danger Period will remain in place from today until October 4, due to typical dry season conditions, bringing stronger winds, dry vegetation and low soil moisture. Maximum temperatures are also likely to be above average for the remainder of this month and into August, making fires more difficult to control.
Authorities urge all Territorians to prepare now to protect lives, property, and the
environment by:
Reviewing your bushfire survival plan and ensuring all household members understand itEnsuring firebreaks are maintained at least 4 metres wideFamiliarising yourselves with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) and Australian Warning System (AWS)Staying informed via SecureNT, ABC Radio, and official BFNT and NTFRS social media.
There are also changes to permit requirements within the prescribed area:
No new burn permits will be issued in Emergency Response Areas (ERAs) during the Fire Danger Period.Permits are required in Fire Management Zones (FMZs) during this periodFire Protection Zone (FPZ) residents must have permits year-round.
For more information, visit Fire danger periods | Secure NT [https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/fires/bushfires/fire-danger-periods].
You can stay up to date via SecureNT [https://www.facebook.com/secureNT] and by following the Bushfires NT [https://www.facebook.com/BushfiresNT] and NTFRS [https://www.facebook.com/ntfireandrescue/] social media channels.
Report fires to 000 immediately.
Quotes attributable to Bushfires NT Executive Director, Jacqui Forrest:
“With increased fire activity and conditions, we are declaring a Fire Danger Period for areas within the Savanna Fire Management Zone."
“Landholders need to be prepared to manage the risk of fire on their land – maintaining firebreaks and keeping areas around structures and stationary equipment clear from flammable material will help to protect assets. When it comes to bushfires, preparedness is everything.”
“Bushfire safety is everyone’s responsibility. You can play your part by having a current bushfire survival plan and going through it with all members of your household, so they know what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency."
Quotes attributable to Chief Fire Officer, NTFRS, Stephen Sewell AFSM:
“The NTFRS and Bushfires NT are working together to carry out fire mitigation works across the Top End, and I thank the work of the responding crews for their dedication and commitment to keeping the community safe."
“This is another timely reminder to maintain your firebreaks as we head towards the tail end of the dry season.”
Media contact:
(08) 8948 9136
[media.ntfes@pfes.nt.gov.au]
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