Dry conditions and strong winds have prompted ACT Emergency Services Agency commissioner Dom Lane to declare a total fire ban across the ACT for Tuesday (12 February).
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting dry and hot conditions across the ACT, with a predicted temperature of 31 degrees. The Bureau is also forecasting strong winds, potentially reaching 55km/h by late morning.
An ESA spokesperson said the forecast fire danger rating for tomorrow is predicted to be severe, which means if a fire starts it may be uncontrollable and move quickly.
A state-wide total fire ban is also in place in New South Wales.
During a total fire ban, it is an offence for a person to:
- Light, maintain or use a fire in the open air;
- Use fireworks in the open air;
- Undertake a high-risk activity. These are activities which may cause the fire to ignite and include welding, grinding, soldering and gas cutting; and
- Use of slashers and harvesting machinery in rural areas.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Googong Foreshores, Kowen Forest, Lower Molonglo River Corridor, Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary and the Centenary Trail will remain closed till Wednesday morning (13 February).
The Boboyan Road and Brindabella Road remain open to through traffic, and the Tidbinbilla and Namadgi Visitors Centres will remain open.
Swimming areas at the Cotter and along the Murrumbidgee River such as Kambah Pool, Pine Island Point Hut and Uriarra Crossing will remain open.
Electric barbecues in parks and reserves including the National Arboretum Canberra and in Canberra’s urban parks will be available, however, all gas barbecues will be turned off.
If you see any careless or criminal activity relating to total fire bans, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you see a fire break out, call 000 immediately.
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