Bushfire prevention
Bushfires NT 
Bushfire prevention
- Firebreaks
- Aerial burning
- Ground burning
- Wildfire control
- Information for travellers
- Fire danger ratings
Firebreaks
In the Northern Territory the Bushfires Act 2009 establishes the legal framework and responsibilities for bushfire management. The fundamental principle established by the Act is that the responsibility for bushfire management rests with the landholder. |
A firebreak |
Fire breaks are basically access trails that enable vehicle access to fight fires. They will stop a fire under mild conditions and are essential as control lines from which back burning may be undertaken to stop wildfires in extreme conditions.
In the Vernon and Katherine bushfire regions firebreaks must be continuous around all external boundaries, however they can deviate around wet or rocky areas and large trees. In other bushfire regions there are differing standards for firebreaks suited to local conditions. Contact your Regional Fire Control Officer for details.
In all regions fire breaks should also be established around assets and may be required in other areas of a large property. They should be:
- a minimum of 4m wide and graded, or slashed to a maximum height of 50mm with all slashed material removed; or
- lawn or cultivated garden.
The aim of the Bushfires NT annual Firebreak Enforcement Program is to ensure that a minimum standard of fire cover exists within the more closely settled rural areas of the Vernon and Katherine Regions.
Landholders who do not establish a firebreak around their property have committed an offence and may be prosecuted. You could face fines of up to $25,000 if you do not comply.
Where a firebreak has not been established, the Chief Fire Control Officer has the authority to issue an order empowering Bushfires NT staff to enter your property and undertake the required works.
Aerial burning
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| Aerial burning |
Aerial burning operations are carried out at the end of the rainy season in the Katherine, VRD, Gulf and Top End (Vernon & Arafura) regions on an annual basis. Aerial controlled burning aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of wildlfires in the late ‘dry’ season (August-November). The main aim of this program is to reduce fuel loads, some of which is created by introduced exotic grasses. Read more about exotic grasses in the weeds branch web pages.
Ground burning
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| Ground control using a drip torch |
Ground control burning is carried out throughout the Territory on an annual basis to reduce fuel loads and create strategic barriers against the spread of wildfires. Bushfires council staff and volunteers work with landholders to plan and implement fuel reduction programs.
Wildfire control
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| Backburning to help prevent wildfire spread. |
Wildfire’s are a fact a way of life throughout the Territory, even though fuel reduction programs are carried out. Bushfires council staff and volunteers are often called out on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of wildfires, which can sometimes cover thousands of square kilometres. Where population levels are low, some fires can go unchecked for weeks.
Useful information for travellers
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| Wildfire |
Many visitors to the Northern Territory often see fires burning along roadsides or in bushland that appear unattended. Usually that’s because they are lit to manage land. Many fires are lit to prevent destructive wildfires occurring later in the season (August to November).
Bushfires and driving
If you encounter a bushfire while driving and if there is a lot of smoke…
- Turn on your headlights
- Slow down and be aware that there could be people, vehicles, large trucks and livestock on the road
- Follow directions of police and firefighters if present; and
- If you cannot see clearly, pull over to the side of the road, stop your vehicle, and wait until the smoke clears.
Camp fires
Camp fires can be lit when:
- A four metre radius around the fire has been cleared of flammable material
- The fire is attended at all times
- They can be completely extinguished with water or soil.
Should bush fires be reported?
Bushfires in the early dry season in the Top End do not need to be reported unless they are a threat to property or land values. Many of these fires have been lit to manage land. Bushfires in the later months (August - November) can be reported by Contacting Bushfires NT.