The total fire ban will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on Friday (tomorrow). Photo: ACT Emergency Services Agency.
A 48-hour total fire ban is now in force in the ACT as Canberra prepares for hot (and possibly extreme) weather.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has confirmed a Total Fire Ban (or TOBAN) has been declared for the capital.
A spokesperson said the forecast weather conditions meant any fires would be likely to spread rapidly and be harder to control.
It began at 12 am today (5 February) and will last until 11:59 pm on Friday (6 February).
During a Total Fire Ban, unless an exemption is granted, it is an offence to:
- Light, maintain or use a fire in the open air
- Undertake high-risk activities such as welding, grinding, soldering and gas cutting, and use slashers or harvesting machinery in rural areas, as these may cause a fire.
During a Total Fire Ban, gas or electric cooking appliances can be used if:
- The BBQ is under constant adult supervision and attendance
- The BBQ is clear of materials that could burn
- A fire extinguisher or a continuous water supply is available to extinguish a fire (if needed).
The ACT ESA’s announcement came as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warned of an ‘Extreme’ fire danger rating for the capital.
This is expected to last until Sunday (8 February), when the rating drops to ‘Moderate’.
In its alert, the BoM warned of a combination of hot and dry conditions and increasing west to northwest winds that is set to arrive today.
“There is also the chance of isolated thunderstorms bringing a risk of dry lightning during the afternoon,” their statement outlined.
Canberra is set to reach a high of 36 degrees today, with conditions to be mostly sunny.
Light winds are expected, starting west to northwesterly at 20 to 30 km/h in the morning before tending northeast to southeasterly at 15 to 25 km/h in the evening.
A thunderstorm could arrive by the early evening.
Friday is expected to start with early-morning fog, followed by a partly cloudy day. It will see a high of 37 degrees.
It’ll be hot over the next two days, with temperatures in the high 30s predicted. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott called on Canberrans to be careful – and safe – when moving about.
“The ACT Rural Fire Service is prepared to respond if a fire breaks out this long weekend, but community cooperation with the Total Fire Ban restrictions is crucial for everyone’s safety.
“Please take extra care when parking in grassed areas, mowing your yard, or travelling through remote or forested locations.”
The Canberra Centenary Trail Northern Border Campsite has been closed, but all other ACT campgrounds remain open.
Electric barbecues in Canberra’s parks and reserves (including those in the National Arboretum and our urban parks) will remain available, but all gas barbecues will be turned off.
Mr Scott said it was “unlikely” that this would be the last TOBAN of the season.
“With two months remaining, we encourage the community to subscribe to Total Fire Ban Alerts or check the ESA website for updates.”
It is the capital’s third fire ban in less than two months, after two were declared in January, including the ACT’s first ban in six years.
Visit the ACT ESA’s website or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 for more information on Total Fire Bans, including closures to nature reserves and roads.
