Bushfires NT today reminded Central Australian landholders to be prepared for the Central Australian fire season with maximum temperatures unlikely to drop below 40°C during coming days.

Assistant Director Operations, Joshua Fischer, said landholders need to plan and prepare now, if they haven’t already done so, to ensure they are best prepared in the event of a bushfire occurring.

Mr Fischer said many of the fires so far this Central Australia fire season had been caused by lightning with Bushfires NT crews and volunteer bushfire brigades kept busy, helping landholders to contain these fires.

“Landholders working together to reduce bushfire risk is absolutely essential,” Mr Fischer said.

“There have already been several unplanned fires occur west of Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive since yesterday and they had the potential to impact on lives and property.

“Thankfully, wind strength at the time of these fires had dropped significantly, reducing the risk of the fires spreading and becoming more dangerous.

“Had the winds been stronger, the fires could have impacted upon homes and properties.

“Several fires impacting pastoral properties have also been lit during the past week, which Bushfires NT is investigating with NT Police.

“Had the winds been stronger, the fires could have also impacted the Haasts Bluff community.

“It is a difficult time of the year to suppress fires once they have started, and all care should be taken.

“It should also be noted that it is an offence to light a fire without a permit during this fire danger period, and there are significant penalties for doing so.

“Bushfires NT has prepared for this fire season by partnering and engaging with landowners across Central Australia to identify and mitigate bushfire risk on the pastoral estate, as well as assisting Aboriginal outstations and communities with reducing bushfire risk around their homes.”

Heatwave conditions are forecast to continue for the next week, with maximum temperatures unlikely to drop below 40°C and 20°C overnight in most areas.

Walungurru (Kintore) recorded a minimum of 33.8°C on Sunday night, which is the hottest overnight temperature ever recorded in the Northern Territory with Alice Springs experiencing its hottest day on record on Saturday, reaching 45.6°C.

People should call 000 in an emergency and if you see, hear or know about suspicious activity relating to illegal fires then call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or 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.