Today’s launch of the bushfire season in the southern region also coincides with the start of a new Territory Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign - ‘If you see something, know something, then say something’.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Rothwell of the NT Fire and Rescue Service said this year the aim is to not only educate, but also to encourage people to report suspicious behaviour.
“Bushfire arson is a national problem with deadly consequences,” Chief Fire Officer Rothwell said. “It is believed 20,000 to 30,000 fires per year are deliberately lit across Australia, causing damage of up to $1.6 Billion.” A working group consisting of members from Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS), Bushfires Northern Territory (BFNT), and Northern Territory Police and Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES), has been formed as a result of the national bushfire arson prevention strategy. Volunteers from both NTFRS and BFNT will be trained to become Bushfire Scene Investigators. These teams will be locally based and highly visible and are aiming to disrupt repeat offences and offenders. “Although we have new measures in place to target offenders, we still rely on assistance from the public. Extra sets of eyes throughout the community aid greatly in the prevention of bushfires and the identification of arsonists. “Now that we’re at the end of the Dry Season in the Top End, the fuel load is quite high. Coming into the fire season in Central Australia, a lack of rain has left the vegetation very dry. Native grasses and trees and even unkempt yards and properties are at risk of both naturally occurring fires and arsonists. “I urge all property owners to maintain four metre firebreaks around their properties and for everyone to be aware of just how simply and quickly fires can take hold. “Something as simple as a discarded cigarette out a car window, machinery in a back shed or an unattended camp fire, can easily be the catalyst for a large bushfire. With the right wind conditions, fire can travel at high speeds, indiscriminately wiping out anything in its path. Bushfire arson causes death and injury, loss of property and damage to the environment including wildlife and habitat losses and offenders can expect severe penalties. “If you see something, know something, then say something by contacting Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In the event of an emergency, always call triple zero ‘000’,” Chief Fire Officer Rothwell said.
