Pubs in the Northern Territory have opened their doors to emus and other wildlife as an early start to the bushfire season catches communities off guard.

Key points: Bushfire season has started early in the Northern Territory

Bushfire season has started early in the Northern Territory Pet emu Steve suffered burns in a recent fire but his owner applies cream daily

Pet emu Steve suffered burns in a recent fire but his owner applies cream daily Publicans say the pub is epicentre of regional towns and the "safest" place for wildlife and the community in an emergency

Fires have been burning between Darwin and south of Mataranka about 400 kilometres away over the last fortnight.

When fires sparked in the bushlands behind the Berry Springs Tavern near Darwin, for publican Ian Sloan it was the menagerie of backyard pets that had him most concerned.

"The fires got pretty close to the fencing of the animal enclosure, luckily the paddock is pretty green so it didn't catch inside," Mr Sloan said.

"The emus were pretty distraught, unsure of what to do ... it's the first fire that's come close to the property and we simply weren't expecting it this early in the dry season.

"Sadly though, some of the embers burning in the bush came through the fence and have burnt the neck of our pet emu Steve."

Embers from a bushfire caught on Steve the emu's feathers and left him with a nasty burn. ( ABC News: Gabrielle Lyons )

Over the last week Mr Sloan has applied burn cream to Steve's neck daily.

He said this incident was an early reminder to be prepared for the fire season.

"We were lucky the local wildlife park came to the rescue, we didn't expect the fire and it meant we had to act fast, but Steve is a pretty resilient emu and he's coming along nicely."

If another bushfire were to encroach on the emu's enclosure Mr Sloan said he would consider bringing the three birds into the bar to keep them safe alongside the rest of the community.

"It's a small community, we all band together usually here in the pub whenever disaster is on our doorstep, I think everyone inside would want to protect the emus too."

Local pubs provide more than beer

Although the pub was ordinarily a meeting spot for communities to congregate over a cold one, during natural disasters outback watering holes turn into refuge centres.

Owner of Corroboree Park Tavern Peter Shappert said his pub has provided respite during many disasters to affect the Top End.

"We have been a cyclone shelter, a school during the floods, a meeting place for fire brigades and community members," he said.

"We are a meeting place for the community, we have accommodation facilities, back up power and telephone to emergency services."

In September of 2017 bushfires tore through Marrakai destroying one property and Mr Shappert said that experience has taught the community to prepare earlier.

"That fire brought the community closer, everyone relied on their neighbours and as a volunteer fire brigade we have started backburning early this time around.

"You like to keep banter in the tavern walls pretty light, but in these moments of need everyone in our community comes together to help each other out."

Bushfires destroyed a home in 2017 and Mr Shappert says the community has learnt to rely on each other and be better prepared. ( ABC News: Gabrielle Lyons )

Why is the pub the safest spot?

Mr Shappert said the pub was the safest place for the community to congregate because they were usually the epicentre of regional towns and the easiest location to contact in emergency situations.

"As a one-pub town and as the tavern owner, I want people to know they can rely on the tavern to keep them safe.

"Our door is always open and we will do whatever we can to connect you to emergency services.

"When you live in these smaller communities, the pub is regularly the centre point, if someone is hurt or in danger, the pub is the easiest meeting spot to explain to police or paramedics.

"The pub is the safest place to be."

Publican Ian Sloan says the tavern will continue to maintain their firebreak to keep patrons safe during bushfire season. ( Supplied: Berry Springs Tavern )

Mr Sloan said the Berry Springs Tavern also provided amenities and shelter when the community was in strife.

"We keep the ground green, we regularly speak with fire departments and we have fire breaks all around the pub," he said.

"When it gets unbearably hot and fires spark in our community, people know we have food and aircon and we are a great point of communication to contact other members of the town.

"Fire or cyclone, of course we want the community to come our way if there is an emergency."