Bushfires NT Executive Director Collene Bremner today urged rural landholders to be wildfire ready as hot, dry and windy conditions return to the Top End this week.

“August was one of the busiest months on record for Bushfires NT staff and volunteers and September is traditionally even more challenging,” Ms Bremner said.

“That’s why we urge landholders to follow a few simple tips to help protect their homes and their communities if they haven’t already done so.

“This includes keeping fuel loads to a minimum around your property by clearing away dried grass, dead leaves and branches.

“Trim back trees that overhang structures and control or eradicate grassy weed species.

“Maintain a well-cut, green 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.”

Ms Bremner also thanked Australian Red Cross, who, from today, is providing landholders impacted by recent wildfires various support services via free call 1800 882 641 number.

Australian Red Cross (NT) Emergency Services Coordinator, Alexandra Eaves, said Red Cross had proudly supported Australians in need for more than a century.

“We know that wildfire can have devastating and lasting impacts on people in various ways, whether it be psychological, physical or financial,” Ms Eaves said.

“That’s why we welcome the opportunity to provide Top End landholders with a free call 1800 882 641 number so they can reach out to us and we can support them the best way we can.

“Trained Red Cross volunteers are on standby to take phone calls from people affected, providing support and sharing information. We work to help all Australians prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.”

Ms Bremner also thanked Bushfire volunteer firefighters for their huge efforts and sacrifices made so far this year to protect their communities.

“Bushfires volunteers have all shown tremendous leadership, perseverance and skill in preventing the loss of homes and, more importantly, lives,” Ms Bremner said.

“Most fires around this time of year are deliberately lit, despite fire bans, and we urge the public to report acts of arson or other suspicious activity around their community by calling Police on 131 444 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 as @BushfiresNT on twitter.

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Media Note - For further information / interview please contact Collene Bremner on 0419 808 297 or Alexandra Eaves on 0488 112 442