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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/28/canberra-bushfire-at-watch-and-act-level-as-heatwave-bears-down-on-capital

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Canberra bushfire at watch and act level as heatwave bears down on capital Canberra bushfire at watch and act level as heatwave bears down on capital
(about 1 hour later)
Residents in Tharwa and Banks told they could be affected as firefighters continue to battle firesResidents in Tharwa and Banks told they could be affected as firefighters continue to battle fires
A bushfire burning across more than 2,500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi national park is at watch and act level, with people nearby told to consult their bushfire plans.A bushfire burning across more than 2,500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi national park is at watch and act level, with people nearby told to consult their bushfire plans.
Emergency services on Tuesday morning said the fire was about 9km south west of Tharwa village and 15km from Banks.Emergency services on Tuesday morning said the fire was about 9km south west of Tharwa village and 15km from Banks.
Residents in those areas were warned they could be affected by the fire.Residents in those areas were warned they could be affected by the fire.
Emergency services battled the fire overnight, with 19 firefighting units, six helicopters and a large air tanker battling the out-of-control fire in Orroral Valley.Emergency services battled the fire overnight, with 19 firefighting units, six helicopters and a large air tanker battling the out-of-control fire in Orroral Valley.
There were also fears for the site – now only concrete remains – of the former Honeysuckle Creek tracking station, which in July 1969 captured the footage of the first moon landing.There were also fears for the site – now only concrete remains – of the former Honeysuckle Creek tracking station, which in July 1969 captured the footage of the first moon landing.
Landholders and residents were told to activate their bushfire plans, with the Exhibition Park showground in Canberra being opened for horses.Landholders and residents were told to activate their bushfire plans, with the Exhibition Park showground in Canberra being opened for horses.
Firefighters were expecting a challenging seven to 10 days, as a heatwave bore down on the nation’s capital.Firefighters were expecting a challenging seven to 10 days, as a heatwave bore down on the nation’s capital.
Authorities warned the situation could get worse with hot and slightly windy conditions fanning the blaze.Authorities warned the situation could get worse with hot and slightly windy conditions fanning the blaze.
Spot fires broke out 5km east from the main fire as the larger blaze headed south-east.Spot fires broke out 5km east from the main fire as the larger blaze headed south-east.
Canberrans woke to smoke haze on Tuesday morning after it reached the capital late on Monday night.Canberrans woke to smoke haze on Tuesday morning after it reached the capital late on Monday night.
Defence and State Emergency Services personnel were doorknocking areas near the fire to warn residents.Defence and State Emergency Services personnel were doorknocking areas near the fire to warn residents.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency declared a total fire ban until midnight on Friday.The ACT Emergency Services Agency declared a total fire ban until midnight on Friday.
Georgina Whelan, the ACT Emergency Services Agency commissioner, said on Monday evening the territory would face a “tough seven to 10 days” due to a “challenging” weather forecast.
The mercury is tipped to hit 35C on Tuesday, with winds becoming westerly 20km/h to 30km/h in the morning and shifting to south-easterly later in the day.