Bushfires NT today joined the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service at their Alice Springs headquarters to launch the 2017 Central Australian Fire Season.

Senior Fire Control Officer Joshua Fischer (Bushfires NT) said landholders need to plan and prepare now, if they haven’t already done so, for what is set to be a busier bushfire season compared to previous years.

“Above average rainfall for much of Central Australia during the past two years has increased fuel loads and fire potential in the Burt Plains and MacDonnell regions,” Mr Fischer said.

“Low lying and water drainage areas have higher than normal fuel loads associated with consecutive rain events and the distribution of introduced grass species.

“Bushfires NT have done a great deal of preparation for this fire season by partnering with landowners including remote communities to develop fire management plans and programs to reduce fire risk.

“This includes an aerial burning program trial to complete large scale fuel reduction burns and completing strategic fuel reduction burning within remote communities in partnership with community members, Aboriginal ranger groups and regional councils.”

The Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade has also completed more than 170km of roadside fuel reduction burning along major arterial roads within the Alice Springs Fire Protection Zone.

NTFRS District Officer of the Southern Command David Letheby said it is vital that landholders communicate their fire management plans so everyone knows what to do and who to contact in the event of a fire.

“Managing risks is key to good planning and preparation,” Mr Letheby said.

“Landholders need to develop a bushfire plan, reduce grass and shrub growth from around your home and buildings, make sure all firefighting equipment is in good working order and that fire access trails within your property are clear and usable to allow firefighting vehicles clear and safe access.”

NTFRS and BFNT have an excellent working relationship and will be working closely to ensure that any outbreak of fire is dealt with in a co-ordinated manner.

People should call 000 in an emergency and if you see, hear or know about suspicious activity relating to illegal fires then call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Go to www.nt.gov.au/bushfires for more information about Bushfires NT or www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Fire-and-Rescue.aspx for more information about the NTFRS.

Media Note - For further information / interview please contact Joshua Fischer (Bushfires NT) on 89523066 or for David Letheby (NTFRS) please contact 8981 1488.