A NSW RFS large air tanker (Bomber 136) is now based at Canberra Airport ahead of elevated fire danger. Photo: ACT ESA.
A total fire ban will be in place for Canberra for the first time since 2020 with all firefighters and emergency services on high alert in case of any ignitions.
It has been issued to start from midnight tonight (Friday, 9 January) and will last until midnight Saturday (10 January), with an extreme fire danger rating as well.
ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott said the total fire ban was because of the hot temperatures, low humidity and expected strong winds above 60 km/h throughout Saturday.
“These conditions are the worst we’ve had since 2020 … [but] we have been lucky for the past five years where we’ve had some wet and quite benign seasons,” he said.
“The conditions we’re expecting are normal for the Territory, this is a typical fire season [that we’re now experiencing].
“So this is a good reminder not to be complacent … you don’t want to be making rash decisions in the case of an incident.”
Chief Officer Scott said we shouldn’t drop our focus on bushfire risk, no matter the fire rating, but this was the time to check (or create) your bushfire survival plan.
“Tomorrow is going to be a very dangerous day if a fire does start, I can’t guarantee a fire truck to every house,” he said.
“If your property is not prepared, please relocate to a safer location [if a fire does start] … listen to messages and enact upon them immediately, don’t second guess, we’re going to be giving those directions for your own safety and that of your family.”
During a total fire ban, all open-air fires are prohibited and high-risk activities such as welding, grinding and grass-cutting are not permitted unless an exemption has been granted. Fire permits are suspended for the duration of the ban.
Gas or electric BBQs can still be used if they are supervised, are clear of flammable materials and water or a fire extinguisher is on hand. In public spaces, electric BBQs remain active but gas BBQs will be switched off.
Summernats has received an exemption to go ahead as planned.
Fire and Rescue Acting Chief Officer Matthew Shonk said this was because several mitigation measures had been put in place.
“[We’ll] have our fleet of 10 pumpers and at least 60 staff [at EPIC] the entire time,” he said.
The fireworks are due to go ahead at this stage, but the exemption can be revoked at any time.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service has closed several sites across the ACT for the duration of the total fire ban:
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- Googong Foreshores
- Lower Molonglo River Corridor
- Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve
- Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and Sanctuary including Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
- Canberra Centenary Trail North Border section (Mulligans Flat Road to Hall)
- Canberra Centenary Trail Northern Border Campsite
- Bullock Paddock Road
- Bullock Paddock Track
- Pole Timber Road
- Warks Road at Brindabella Road
- Curries Road West
- Curries Road East
- Camages Road North
- Camages Road South
- Blundells Creek Road at Brindabella Road
- Old Mill Road at Brindabella Road
- Mount Franklin Road at Piccadilly Circus
- Bulls Head
All ACT campgrounds remain open except for the Canberra Centenary Trail Northern Border Campsite.
All forest walks and events at the National Arboretum have been cancelled.
ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Wayne Phillips said every preparation had been made with all RFS sheds staffed and all appliances and tankers ready to go.
“Now I need you to be prepared as a community,” he said.
“I need you to be ready and vigilant for any fire.”
He added while this was the first total fire ban of the season, it potentially won’t be the last.
“We could [experience] an extended fire season right through to March this year, so total fire bans this year could turn into the norm,” Commissioner Phillips said.
“We’ll just wait and see.”
Download your bushfire survival plan from the ACT ESA website.
