Media release

Crackers down!

Fire and Rescue
Police

Firefighting crews were kept occupied last night while responding to a large number of incidents across the Territory.

Crews responded to more than 100 incidents during the course of Territory Day.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer said resources within the Darwin Emergency Response Area were spread thinly, with crews trying to attend multiple jobs at a time.

“Our rostered duty crews, with the support of our volunteers, worked tirelessly to protect properties and thankfully no structures were lost.

“Majority of public were well behaved however, it was disappointing to see that some of our firefighters had to deal with people acting irresponsible with fireworks.

“There were instances reported of fireworks being let off in the direction of firefighting vehicles while crews were attending to incidents and from high-rise building balconies.”

Incidents of note that the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service attended:

  • Wildfire Buffalo Creek, Road Lee Point
  • Wildfire Nemarluk Drive, Ludmilla
  • Multiple wildfires throughout Palmerston  
  • Structure fire Sedge Circuit, Karama
  • Structure fire Smith Street, Larrakeyah
  • Serious crash, Winnellie

The public are urged to stay vigilant and monitor any fires that may occurred on their properties for flare ups said Mr Fischer.

“The public are also reminded, that while you may legally possess fireworks until Monday 4 July, it is now illegal to light any unspent fireworks.”

Police conducted patrols at the Mindil Beach event, which drew in large crowds that were well behaved. There was no reported injuries or significant incidents.