Fire crews from South Australia will remain in the Territory until at least next week to help fight the large number of fires still burning in Central Australia.

South Australia Country Fire Service  Regional Commander  John Hutchins said  volunteer fire fighters travelled to the Northern Territory on Wednesday to assist crews on the ground. 

“We arrived in Kulgera late on Wednesday night and then early Thursday most of our team were deployed to Kings Canyon area to assist fire-fighters on the ground,” Mr Hutchins said. 

“Our strike force includes a team of 18 volunteer  fire fighters and four 3000 litre capacity water trucks as well as a command car.” 

“Two volunteers and myself have been based in Alice Springs and have been providing  support and liaison functions in the  Emergency Operations Centres. We are now planning replacements for existing fire crews and incident management personnel. The first team will fly out on Sunday and will be replaced by a fresh team who will arrive Sunday morning. 

“Fire fighting in Central Australia is very similar to fire fighting in some of the remote areas of South Australia and this is the type of experience our people have been able to offer. 

“I would like to acknowledge the reception we have received from the NT Emergency Services . We have been well -briefed and well -supported and look forward to a successful outcome. 

“I would also like to thank our team of volunteers who have all given up their time to come to the assistance of  the Northern Territory Community.”

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825