Northern Territory, Australia Declared Fire Danger Area Until February 2024

Authorities in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) have declared the entire region, spanning over 1.4 million square kilometers, a fire danger area from September 10, 2023, to February 29, 2024. This decision follows forecasts of higher-than-average temperatures, raising the risk of catastrophic fires. The NT has already experienced devastating wildfires in the past, with 80 percent of the territory affected during the 2011-12 season.

Under the NT Bushfire Management Act, all landholders in declared fire danger areas must obtain a permit to light a fire, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment for unauthorized fires.

The declaration comes as a large bushfire continues to burn uncontrolled across more than 6,000 square kilometers in the central Barkly Region, impacting supply lines but not posing an immediate threat to life. The Territory Emergency Management Council (TEMC) has been activated to address the situation.