The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service are calling on the community to assist in preventing bushfires throughout the Darwin Region.

While fire authorities continue to respond to reports and contain bushfires, everyone can assist in preventing bushfires from occurring in the first place.

Station Officer Peter Van Boxtel of Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service said fires can easily start at this time of year from sparks ignited by the use of tools or riding quad bikes.

“The community can assist us by taking extra precautions when using equipment and tools to minimise the risk of sparks occurring. This should including proper maintenance of quad bikes and safely discarding cigarette butts," said Station Officer Van Boxtel

“People should also keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. If you see something, know something, then say something.

“Sadly, deliberately lit bushfires continue to occur here in the Territory and it is unlikely the increase in grass fires during school holidays is a coincidence.

“In the past week alone, we have attended 8 grass fires in the Marlow Lagoon area.

“While the fire service works closely with Police to investigate the cause of such fires, we rely on the community as our eyes and ears.

“We are calling on the community to report information on bushfire arson to Police on 131 444 or Crime stoppers 1800 333 000.

“Information may include: photos and vision of bushfires which contain suspicious individuals; descriptions; times; locations; and the vehicle used by the person acting suspiciously, if any.

“Arson is one of the most cowardly yet serious crimes and arsonists have no regard for the consequences of their criminal actions.

“Arsonists are responsible for the full extent of the fire including the damage which occurs as a result of the fire.

“The NT Bushfires legislation supports this with penalties up to $25,000 and five years imprisonment.

“Even illegally lit small grass fires in and around pastoral properties burns the food and habitat of animals and wildlife respectively”

Police and Fire and Rescue Service recognise that there are situations in which fires are lit for traditional purposes such as for comfort and cooking. Such fires must be managed with care, supervised at all times, and fully extinguished before being left unattended. Those who light such fires remain responsible for that fire.

For more information on Bushfires, visit: www.securent.nt.gov.au