Emergency crews cleaning up fire retardant that was accidentally dropped on Parkes Way. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
An aircraft on its way to the Orroral Valley fire has accidentally dropped 2500 litres of fire retardant on Parkes Way after running into turbulence at around 3:30 pm.
The carpark at Rond Terrace and Anzac Parade at Rond Pond have been hit. ACT Fire and Rescue are working on the scene with the Environmental Protection Authority.
2,500 litres of fire retardant dropped on Parkes Way this afternoon (5 Feb 2020) after a plane hit turbulence on its way to the Orroral Valley fire.
Posted by Breaking247 on Tuesday, February 4, 2020
“A number of vehicles may have been covered with a light pink dust. Anyone who has been directly affected is advised to wash their vehicle down with water,” an Emergency Services Agency spokesperson said.
ACT Fire and Rescue are working on the scene with the Environmental Protection Authority. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
“The retardant is non-toxic and there is no immediate risk to the health and safety of people or property.
“If irritation occurs seek medical advice at your GP or walk-in centre.”
The crew was not injured and the plane was able to land safely. There have been no reports of injuries or car accidents as a result of the drop.
A DC-10 Air Tanker 912 conducts a fire retardant drop immediately behind the village of Tharwa on the evening of
February 1st, 2020. Photo: ESA.
The retardant is a phosphorous-based compound that is used to suppress and stop the spread of fires by reducing the flammability of fuels or delaying their combustion.
The ESA has been using retardant drops to strengthen containment lines around Tharwa and south ACT to help stop the spread of the Orroral Valley fire.
For further information please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
