Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents south of Heavitree Gap to get started on firebreaks in anticipation for a bigger than usual bushfire season across the southern region.

Acting District Officer Stephen Hunter said fire stations across the region had been proactively working with Bushfires NT, local councils and communities in anticipation of this year’s bushfire season.

“The widespread rains earlier this year resulted in an explosion of grass growth across the region, which means higher fuel loads and a higher fire risk,” said A/DO Hunter.

“If you haven’t taken action now, then you need to start preparing your properties.

“This year’s bushfire season is expected to start early with the increase of fuel, so it’s imperative that rural residents start planning their property maintenance. To support this fire permits will be open to rural residents from today.”

A fire permit allows holders to burn green waste in a controlled environment.

“The benefits of having a permit is that it provides the local fire service with a time, date and place of a planned green waste burn,” said A/DO Hunter.

“It’s a good tool and opportunity to clear and prepare firebreaks prior to the peak bushfire season.

“We encourage all rural residents to start planning their property maintenance and apply for fire permits now.”

The  owner or occupier  of  land  in  an  emergency  response  area  must  ensure  a  firebreak is  created  and  maintained  along  the  entire  boundary of the property.  The firebreak must be either bare earth or grass not exceeding 50mm high, lawn or cultivated garden.

For further information on fire permits or rural property requirements, go to https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/permitstoburn