Thursday 30 July 2009

More Fire Bans Likely for the NT's Top End

Experts warned today that Fire Bans are likely to become more frequent over parts of the Top End, following a reassessment of fuel loading from introduced grasses.  The advice comes from Bushfires NT, NT Fire and Rescue Service and the Bureau of Meteorology, following extensive research completed by CDU.

Fuel loading has increased from 6 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) to 9 t/ha in the Litchfield and Coomalie Shires. These areas will be referred to as the Primary Response Zones in Fire Bans.

“Research conducted by Charles Darwin University over the last 10 years shows us that fuel loads in the Darwin rural area are on the increase” Steve Sutton, Director of Bushfires NT said. “The weight of new grass species, such as gamba grass, has significantly increased fuel load so that in places fuels are nearly as thick as in some forests.”

This new information will be incorporated into decisions on issuing Fire Bans for the Litchfield and Coomalie Shires.  Higher fuel loads will result in increased fire danger, which will require more frequent Fire Bans.

“The bottom line here is that Fire Bans will now reflect more accurately what we are seeing on the ground.” John Whatley, Senior Regional Fire Control Officer with Bushfires NT said. “The fires are getting hotter and more dangerous.  We need to make sound decisions so that we can give the community and our volunteers the best possible chance of handling the situation well. Northern Territory fire agencies working with the Bureau of Meteorology have put a lot of effort into helping keep the rural community safe during the fire season”. 

Fire Bans are authorised by fire agencies and distributed to Northern Territory residents by the Bureau of Meteorology and local media. Fire Bans and Fire Weather Warnings are available on the Bureau’s website at http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nt/. Information on Fire Bans and the responsibilities of rural residents are available on the Bushfires NT website at www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/bushfires/index.html.

This important community safety initiative is a joint venture between the Bureau of Meteorology, Charles Darwin University, Bushfires NT (NRETAS) and the NT Fire and Rescue Service.

Contacts:

Steve Sutton, Director and Chief Fire Control Officer, Bushfires NT – 8922 0832

Ian Shepherd, Senior Meteorologist, Severe Weather Section, Northern Territory Regional Office, Bureau of Meteorology – 8920 3821