With a dryer-than-expected wet season reaching its conclusion, Katherine Fire Station crews have begun backburning around town as they ready themselves to respond to hundreds of grass fires over the next six months.

Leading firefighter Garry Branson said local crews attended between 550 and 600 calls every year, the majority of which were during the Top End’s drier months.

“Katherine residents, especially those in the rural areas, need to be aware that favourable conditions for wildfire are present earlier this year than others,” he said.

By law, landholders must have a minimum four-metre firebreak, with vegetation no higher than 50 millimetres around the boundary of their block.

“While a mown or slashed breaks fall within the legislation, the best break is constructed of bare earth,” Mr Branson explained.

“So we are encouraging those residents to start fire prevention preparations now if they have not already.”

How to be bushfire ready

1. Clear fuels around the house for at least 20m.

2. Trim under fences and remove overgrown trees and bushes.

3. Clear gutters of debris to eliminate a fuel source.

4. Store flammable items well away from the house.

5. Make sure the house number is visible.

6. Ensure firefighting equipment is operational.

7. Make sure you have a reserve water supply available in the event of a bushfire.

8. For a full checklist, visit pfes.nt.gov.au.