Firefighting crews were kept busy throughout Territory Day and late into the evening after responding to close to 100 incidents.
Weather conditions were favourable this year, with a Watch and Act warning issued shortly after 11am, said Chief Fire Officer Mark Spain AFSM.
“Crews attended multiple bushfires in the rural area throughout the afternoon before heading into a busy evening, attending many fires in the Darwin CBD and northern suburbs.”
“It was pleasing to see people attend the family-friendly events; however, there were several incidents in the CBD where people were firing firecrackers at crews, off their balconies and even off the roof of unit complexes.
“Crews attended a structure fire at a unit complex on Smith Street last year and unfortunately attended the same complex again this year to warn residences who were firing crackers off the roof into the busy street.”
Central Australia had a quiet evening overall, with no significant incidents reported.
Just before 9pm, police and paramedics responded to reports of serious injuries caused by fireworks at a residence in Virginia.
A 23-year-old man was located with an extensive arm injury, and a second man was found with injuries to his lower body.
Both were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious but stable conditions.
The public is urged to stay vigilant and monitor for any fires that may have occurred on their properties and for flare-ups. While you may legally possess fireworks until Monday, 3 July, it is now illegal to light any unspent fireworks. The fine is now $1760, and we don’t want to have to hand any out.
