Station Officer Chris Manuel said controlled burning was an essential part of the town’s fire management plans. 

“The reduction of fuel loads can ensure the protection of life and property in identified areas of risk,” Mr Manuel said.

“The burns are best carried out in the earliest stage of the dry season with a view to reduce fuel loads with a low-intensity burn to reduce the environmental damage to trees and wildlife habitats.” 

Katherine firefighters will be conducting hazard reduction burns from April until about June to mitigate the risk of fire to the Katherine community.

Mr Manuel said this year it was envisaged to carry out over 70 controlled burns in Katherine and regional communities.

Residents will be advised prior to burns via the Katherine Times facebook page at www.facebook.com/KatherineTimes.

Mr Manuel said the start of the controlled burns program was also a timely reminder for property owners in Katherine’s rural area to maintain their fire breaks.

“During the fire season it is imperative that landowners ensure protection of their properties by maintaining a four metre break around the property to ensure that a fire within the property can be prevented from spreading and that an incoming fire can be fought and to allow fire service vehicle access which can be critical to saving a property under threat,” Mr Manuel said.

By legislation, rural property owners are required to maintain their fire breaks. 

Mr Manuel said the Katherine community was “typically proactive” in being prepared for the fire season.

“In previous years the people in Katherine have been exceptional in working with their local fire brigade to ensure property protection.”