All permitted burns in the Darwin Emergency Response Area need to completed by Sunday, April 28.

Hazard Abatement and Bush Fire Mitigation Officer Paul Rubie said the decision was made after considering the relatively low seasonal rain and subsequent grass fuel loads that would normally be drying out later in the year.

Permits to burn are available from your local fire station and are currently available only for Litchfield Shire residents with acreage properties.

People caught lighting fires illegally will be fined more than $600 under the Fire and Emergency Act 2016:

The NTFRS Chief Fire Officer will notify members of the public when permits are available.

Under the Fire and Emergency Act 2016, infringements start from $660.00 (four penalty units). A person can also be charged and incur up to a maximum of 100 penalty units.

Additionally, the Chief Fire Officer has advised that a restriction on burning for the duration of the Arafura Games will be in place from April 28 to May 4.

This decision was made to ensure that air quality will not be compromised by planned burns for athletes and the public who are attending outdoor Games events.

During the Arafura Games the NTFRS will be responding to all emergencies such as bushfires, but all planned fuel reduction burns will not occur until after the Games have finished.

Any fires should be reported to triple zero or 131 444.

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