Northern Territory firies have attended 246 wildfires across the Top End in the last month, with the NT Fire and Rescue Service warning that conditions will worsen through August in the lead up to the rescheduled Cracker Night on August 29.

NTFRS said that was 50 to 60 more wildfires compared to other years and urged Territorians not to be complacent and help prevent wildfires.

“The Top End wildfires this year have been fuelled by the high levels of growth following the increased rainfall we experienced through the wet season,” Assistant Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer.

“This growth presents a significant challenge for landowners and firefighters because fires can easily start and move quickly, often catching people off guard.

“In the past two weeks, firefighters have attended to numerous large wildfires in the Darwin and Palmerston regions. It took two days for the McMillians Road wildfire to be fully contained and made safe.

“Fire weather conditions will worsen through August and it’s important that property owners have a bushfire survival plan in place and it’s up-to-date.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner rescheduled Territory Day cracker night to August 29 after celebration were cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown on July 1.

The new date has been widely criticised by Bushfires NT, local councils, volunteer firefighters and rural residents as being risky given it falls in the middle of the highest risk time for wildfires.

A spokeswoman for Gamba Grass Roots told ABC this week that some rural residents are considering legal action in the event that their homes are burnt down due to errant fireworks sparking bushfires.

A volunteer firefighter earlier told the ABC the day was “going to be an absolute nightmare”.

Mr Fischer, who did not mention Cracker Night, said fire officers had carried out inspections of rural properties in the great Darwin Emergency Response Are and have issued roughly 200 notice to landowners who have failed to keep their properties compliant.

“As of result of those notices, 20 infringements have been issued to landowners,” he said. “It’s important for people to realise that they’re not only putting their lives and the lives of their loved ones at risk, they’re also putting our community and firefighters at risk.

“Landowners or occupiers can visit the NTPFES website for more information on preparing your property for the bushfire season, or better yet, speak with the local volunteers in your area. They know the risks in the area and they’re a great asset to our community.”