Rural landholders are being urged to prepare for the return of severe fire weather this week.

Bushfires NT Executive Director, Collene Bremner, said hot, dry and windy conditions would be similar to those experienced by many rural residents about 10 days ago.

“Multiple grassfire units, aircraft and volunteers are on standby, prepared for the worst,” Ms Bremner said.

“However, we can’t guarantee we’ll get to each and every fire that breaks out.

“Rural landholders are reminded that the fundamental principle established by the Bushfires Management Act is that responsibility for bushfire management rests with the landholder.

“That’s why we urge landholders to establish fire breaks and a management plan, including what to do in case of a fire.

“Many rural landholders do the right thing and it is unfair to them that resources are often directed towards those properties where the owners have facilitated the significant growth of fuel loads, such as gamba grass and mission grass.

“Keeping fuel loads to a minimum around your property by clearing away dried grass, dead leaves and branches could reduce the risk of wildfire impacting rural properties and their owners.

“Trimming back trees that overhang structures and controlling or eradicating grassy weed species are very important tips to follow.

“Maintain a well-cut lawn around your home and install firebreaks that are free from slashed or dead material and don’t have any vegetation more than 50 millimetres high.

“And make sure you have plenty of water and the right equipment to put out a fire, should one start.”

The priority of Bushfires NT is to coordinate a suitable response to fire incidents that threaten lives and assets.

“I’d like to once again thank Bushfires NT volunteers for their huge efforts and sacrifices made so far this year to protect their communities,” Ms Bremner said.

“I also urge the public to report acts of arson or other suspicious activity around their community by calling Police on 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Go to https://denr.nt.gov.au/land-resource-management/bushfire-information-and-management for more information about Bushfires NT or follow us @BushfiresNT on twitter.

Ends 

Media Note - For further information / interview please contact Collene Bremner (Bushfires NT) on 0419 808 297