Media release

Structure fires – Greater Darwin Region

Fire and Rescue

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service are reminding Territorians to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes.

Overnight, Berrimah and Palmerston fire crews attended to two structure fires in the Greater Darwin Region.

At 7:30pm, crews were called to a fire in Farrar after receiving reports of flames coming from the property. The fire was extinguished, and thankfully the solo occupant and escaped with minor smoke inhalation.

A crime scene was declared with fire investigators returning to the scene today to determine the cause.

Later in the evening, a second structure fire was reported for a property at Humpty Doo. The fire was discovered by the occupants who had returned from holiday.

A fire investigator has determined there are no suspicious circumstances with the fire starting from an electrical fault which originated from a television set in the lounge room.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer said: “So far this year, crews have responded to a reported 136 fires involving structures across the Territory. Of those reported fires, 9 have been determined to be caused by electrical fault with significant damage occurring to some structures as a result.

“Building occupants, whether it is at home or in the workplace, should ensure they do not overload power points and switch them off when not in use, and always have a working smoke alarm. Ask yourselves, ‘when was the last time you checked yours?’.”