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Canberra bushfire at watch and act level as heatwave bears down on capital Canberra bushfire upgraded to emergency level as heatwave bears down on capital
(about 4 hours later)
Residents in Tharwa and Banks told they could be affected as firefighters continue to battle fires Residents told to leave immediately as fire threatens properties south of the capital on Tuesday
A bushfire burning across more than 2,500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi national park was at watch and act level early on Tuesday, with people nearby told to consult their bushfire plans. A bushfire burning across more than 2,500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi national park was upgraded to emergency level on Tuesday, with people nearby told to leave the area immediately and not return.
Emergency services said the fire was about 9km south west of Tharwa village and 15km from Banks. The blaze was threatening properties on Boboyan, Apollo and Top Naas roads.
Residents in those areas were warned they could be affected by the fire. “Leaving immediately is the safest option. Soon it will be too dangerous to drive,” the ACT Emergency Services Agency said in a statement.
“The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path.”
Beyond those three roads, there was no broader threat to properties in Tharwa or Canberra suburbs.
“Properties are under threat – leave now if you are able to – firefighters are on scene,” the ESA said.
“Properties may be impacted by embers well ahead of the fire causing spot fires.
“Conditions are very dangerous. Firefighters may be unable to prevent fire reaching your property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.”
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.
Georgeina 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.Georgeina 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.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.
On Tuesday the NSW Rural Fire Service said a further 25 homes had been lost to bushfires in the state, taking the total number of losses this season to almost 2,400.On Tuesday the NSW Rural Fire Service said a further 25 homes had been lost to bushfires in the state, taking the total number of losses this season to almost 2,400.
Assessments carried out since Friday revealed the losses, but showed almost 300 homes had been saved in the most recent blazes.Assessments carried out since Friday revealed the losses, but showed almost 300 homes had been saved in the most recent blazes.
Fire danger was very high in the central and southeast regions of NSW on Tuesday, with the southern ranges under a total fire ban.Fire danger was very high in the central and southeast regions of NSW on Tuesday, with the southern ranges under a total fire ban.
“Worsening conditions are forecast for later in the week so prepare now,” the fire service said on Twitter.“Worsening conditions are forecast for later in the week so prepare now,” the fire service said on Twitter.