For the 39th year in a row
DESPITE it being a Saturday with ample opportunity to booze all day, crowds were on their best behaviour for Territory Day, with police and ambulance reporting minimal calls for help.
The noise of fire crackers deafened the city for hours as they were launched from the ground, off multistorey buildings and into oncoming traffic, though police received minimal calls.
Territory duty superintendent Chris Board said it was a busy night for all emergency services.
“There were ongoing small spot fires all night,” he said.
In regards to anti-social behaviour around Darwin’s pub scene, there were few reports.
“Most people had been well behaved,” he said.
But he warned anyone found setting crackers off outside set times risked being fined up to $1200.
It was a different night for Territory firies though – at 8.30pm there were at least 50 fires burning throughout Darwin and Palmerston, according to the Northern Territory F Fire Service Incident Map.
One of the most serious inci cidents was a structure fire on M Melville St in the Gardens.
Acting station officer Matt Adamson said a makeshift carport was the victim.
“It was green weed mat on to top and plenty of trees so the cr cracker landed on top and set it alight,” he said.
“There was a vehicle in fr front that’s been completely burnt but there was no significant damage to the property.”
They were in good spirits th though, despite having to atte tend another fire not 400m a around the corner on Gardens H Hill Cres just 15 minutes later.
St John Ambulance spokesman Craig Garraway said he had no calls relating to fireworks.
“I’m not surprised really as fireworks are very quiet for us normally,” he said.
“Most people are reasonably responsible and if they are hurt self present to hospital or a medical facility.
Top End Lost and Found founder Naomi Oliver said by 8pm, she had about 40 people get in contact after losing their pets or finding one. Dogs were the main culprits, with a few getting a fright from fireworks ignited before 6pm.
“What people need to do tomorrow if they have lost a pet is call the pound and if someone has found a dog, call the rangers,” she said.
City of Darwin pet owners today have a 24-hour grace period to collect their pets without incurring any pound fees and if their pet is not registered they will be expected to register and microchip the animal at the time of collection.
“If you find a dog or lose yours, post on all social media and call the pounds and please put your phone number on the post or make sure you can receive private messages on Facebook,” Ms Oliver said.