NT Police and the Fire and Rescue Service were kept busy last night with 158 Triple Zero calls specifically related to fireworks, an increase of 95 calls when compared to 2010.

Fire crews responded to a total of 207 fire calls throughout the NT, an increase of 95 calls on 2010.

Alice Springs was the main cause of the increase for the night with 57 calls. Last year on Territory Day it rained in Alice Spring which drastically reduced the number of calls. Across the greater Darwin area, which includes Casuarina, Palmerston and the rural area, fire crews responded to 122 calls.

The remainder of calls occurred across other Northern Territory regions.

Acting District Officer David Pettit said it was a busy night and all NTFRS staff did a great job.

 “A number of calls were received reporting skyrockets being fired from high rise buildings at vehicles and pedestrians. Even responsible users have little control over where these fireworks come down and all to often these types of fireworks cause the majority of our grassfires.

“The NTFRS were staffed to cope with the increase in jobs overnight with extra members and fire trucks rostered on,” he said.

Police were also kept busy with 147 fireworks related disturbances reported last night in Darwin area.

**Media Note**- Acting District Fire Officer David Pettit and Police Watch Commander, Senior Sergeant Greg Pusterla will be available for interview at the Darwin Fire Station in 12:00pm.

Media Contact

Sarah Trinne

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