The ACT bushfire season begins today, running until the end of March. Today’s Fire Danger Rating is only Moderate: plan and prepare. But Canberrans should prepare now for High and even Extreme fire danger ratings: be ready to act, and take action now to protect life and property.
From today, ACT Emergency Services will publish Fire Danger Ratings every day. Fire permits are now required for open-air burning, cooking on unleased rural land, and using fireworks. Total fire bans are expected around Christmas, when hot, dry conditions and westerly winds develop.
Last bushfire season saw the ACT’s first total fire ban since 2020; an extreme fire danger rating in January; and bushfires in Namadgi National Park.
This year, the BOM is predicting unusually high maximum temperatures and El Niño increasing the risk of dry conditions. The ESA expects an average fire season: after a dry winter with good soil moisture and heavy fuel moisture, summer is forecast to be dry and hot.
“Many Canberrans have already felt the warmer weather this September, and with a hot summer forecast, it’s important that households are prepared for the possibility of bushfires and other emergencies,” Dr Marisa Paterson, minister for police, fire and emergency services, said.
The ESA has launched a new community campaign, CHAT. PLAN. ACT. The message: “Preparedness starts small, and it starts with you.” There’s even a jingle.
The website explains how to complete an emergency prepare guide; make clear emergency arrangements; develop an emergency action checklist; and build an emergency kit for your household.
The public should also clean out gutters; prepare backyards in case of summer storms; chat about planning for bushfires; look after pets; and talk to vulnerable neighbours.
“Preparedness can feel overwhelming, which is why many people delay taking action,” Dr Paterson said. “CHAT. PLAN. ACT. gives Canberrans a simple place to start, breaking preparedness into manageable steps that can make all the difference when an emergency happens.”
ACT ESA Commissioner Wayne Phillips said: “Our emergency services play an essential role in preparing for emergencies, but resilience starts well before a fire truck, ambulance or emergency warning arrives. Preparedness is a shared responsibility.
“Canberra is stronger and safer when neighbours look out for one another, households discuss their plans, and communities understand how they will respond during an emergency.”
