Alice Springs residents are advised that extensive back-burning will be taking place over the next few days to the east of town to establish and expand fire breaks.

Senior Station Officer John Kleeman said the work would be undertaken over the next few nights and would involve NT Fire and Rescue service staff and volunteers.

“A number of large fires which have been burning on the outskirts of Alice Springs since last week have been contained and fire fighters will now begin the job of establishing strategic fire breaks to the east of town,” Mr Kleeman said.

“A planning group,  involving members of Bushfire NT, Department of Construction and Infrastructure, Alice Springs Town Council, NT Fire and Rescue Service, and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority , have been working to develop the fire mitigation strategy for the eastside of town.

“Fire breaks will be established and strengthened along drains backing Kurrajong Drive, Mallam Crescent and Hillside Gardens to ensure an adequate protection zone near residential areas,” Mr Kleeman said.

“Another large break will be established from Undoolya Road to the Telegraph Station, so residents need not be alarmed if they notice burning scrubland in those areas.

“Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service have sent seven volunteers from Darwin to assist with the work on the fire breaks which should continue for the next few days while the weather conditions remain favourable.

“The NTFRS Hazard Abatement Officer has also flown to Alice Springs and will be assisting by ensuring rural landholders have adequate fire breaks on their properties.

“While it’s a credit to all those who have been working to contain these fires for the past week or so, the threat is by no means over given the heavy fuel loads in central Australia at present. Therefore we ask residents to remain vigilant and ensure they do all they can to mitigate the threat by clearing their properties.”

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