Official Source: Bushfires NT

Fire Ban Rules in Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is managed by Bushfires NT and has a notably more flexible approach to fire during bans compared to the southern states. The NT uniquely allows small cooking fires and coal BBQs during fire ban periods. The fire season runs from May to October ('The Dry') — the opposite of the southern states. Permits are the core of the NT system, especially in Emergency Response Areas (ERAs) around Darwin and Palmerston.

Fire SeasonMay – Oct (The Dry)

Critical AlertFire Ban Period

Emergency000

What is allowed during a Total Fire Ban?

Common activities and their restrictions.

Allowed

Small Cooking Fires
The NT uniquely allows small cooking fires even during a fire ban — provided they are only used for the duration of cooking or water boiling, have a 4m clearance, and are attended at all times. This is the most flexible approach of any Australian jurisdiction.
Gas & Coal BBQs
Gas-powered and coal-powered barbecues are permitted during fire ban periods with 4m clearance and continuous attendance.
Indoor Cooking
Fully enclosed structures are unrestricted.

Restricted / Caution

Burning in Emergency Response Areas (ERAs)
Permits are required for burning garden green waste in ERAs such as Darwin and Palmerston. Burn piles must not exceed 5m × 5m and require a 4m cleared firebreak.
Permits for Rural Burning
You almost always need a permit to burn in rural areas during the Dry. Permits are the core of the NT system.
Hot Works (Welding, Grinding)
Using welding or grinding tools outdoors without adequate clearance is restricted. Check local conditions.

Banned

Unauthorised Large Fires
Lighting fires without a permit during the declared Fire Ban Period is illegal. All large fires and existing permits are voided during a ban.
Unattended Fires
Any fire — including permitted cooking fires — must have continuous attendance. Leaving a fire unattended is an offence.
Burning Without Firebreak (ERA)
In Emergency Response Areas, burning without the required 4m firebreak and within the 5m × 5m pile size limit is prohibited.

The "Upside Down" Season — Cooking Fires Allowed

The NT is unique in two ways. First, the fire season is 'The Dry' (roughly May–October), the opposite of the southern states where summer is the peak risk. Second, the NT is the only jurisdiction that explicitly allows small cooking fires during a fire ban — southern state visitors are often surprised that they can still cook over an open flame in the Territory. However, the rules are strict: cooking only (no warmth fires), 4m clearance, and continuous attendance. Coal BBQs are also permitted, unlike most other states.

Official Resources

Bushfires NT – Fire Bans & Fire Danger Periods SecureNT

This page is a summary guide and not legal advice. Always check official Northern Territory government sources for real-time warnings.

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Fire Ban Rules in Northern Territory