Residents in Darwin’s rural area are invited to attend this year’s inaugural Fire Ready Week, to be held at the Bushfires NT headquarters on the corner of Townend Rd and the Stuart Hwy in Acacia Hills from 1-7 March.

Bushfires NT executive director, Collene Bremner, said the key focus of Fire Ready Week would be to help rural residents and landholders prepare, act and survive. 

“Widespread rainfall is set to fuel another dangerous Top End fire season with boggy grounds impeding the start and impact of early mitigation burns,” Ms Bremer said.

“That’s why Bushfires NT is inviting residents in Darwin’s rural area to come along to Fire Ready Week so they can get any information, assistance and advice they need to prepare their property and create a survival plan for the upcoming bushfire season.

“Last year’s fire season had some of the worst fire weather conditions on record, coming off the back of two poor wet seasons so we expect the fuel loads will definitely be much higher this year.

“Preparing and acting early makes a huge difference in how fire can impact you and your neighbours.”

The NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) will also be represented at the Fire Ready Week as some parts of Darwin’s rural area, including Howard Springs, sits within the Emergency Response Area.

Ms Bremner said residents can book appointments to be held from 1-5 March and again on 7 March to find out more about bushfire survival planning and Weed ID advice.

Those unable to book appointments are also welcome to attend the Open Day on Saturday, 6 March, where residents will be able to:

• Meet some of their local volunteer bushfire brigades
• Meet representatives from the Protect Our Patch and Gamba Grass Roots community groups
• Learn more about the Gamba Army, Gamba Action Program and Gamba spread model and bushfire risk

Kids activities including face painting will also be available. 

Media contact
Lauren Crawley | 0476844832