Heat turned up on illegal burning this bushfire season

Crime Stoppers NT is partnering with Bushfires NT and NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) to encourage people living, working and visiting parts of the Territory with high fuel loads to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for illegal burning this bushfire season.

With significant fuel loadings in parts of NT thanks to a wetter than average Wet Season, Crime Stoppers NT chair, Catherine Phillips, urged people to understand the different number to call when they see a fire, need police to respond response or to share information with Crime Stoppers.

“Whether it is a deliberately lit fire by someone who wants to get attention, a landholder burning without a permit, or someone who is acting recklessly by using machinery during a fire ban, the fact is that a bushfire poses serious risks to people and property,” Ms Phillips said.

“Everyone has a responsibility to do the right thing during the driest and most dangerous months of the year and think about the potential outcomes of their deliberate or reckless actions – particularly the lives, homes, and businesses that could be destroyed,” she said.

“Our emergency services face another challenging bushfire season this year, and by reporting deliberate, reckless or negligent acts that endanger others, you can help protect our communities from illegal burning.”

The campaign will engage people through a prominent social media presence, as well as posters displayed in key community locations.

“We want to remind people that if they see suspicious behaviour currently happening then they should call Police on 131 444. If a fire is burning unattended then call 000 for fire services, and if you have information or a suspicion about someone deliberately lighting fires, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.

Anyone who intentionally or recklessly causes a fire or is reckless when it comes to the potential risk of starting a fire could face up to 15 years imprisonment.