A bushfire burning across more than 2500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi National Park is at “watch and act” level and people nearby have been told to consult their bushfire plans.
Emergency services on Tuesday morning said the fire was about nine kilometres southwest of Tharwa village and 15km from the suburb of Banks.
Residents in those areas have been warned they could be affected by the fire.
ACT Emergency Services Agency commissioner Georgeina Whelan says people in the nearby suburbs Banks, Gordon, Condor and Calwell should ensure they’re up to date with warnings.
“No properties are currently under threat,” she told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
“Overnight conditions were moderate, however, the fire is not contained.”
The fire danger rating for the ACT is “severe”, with forecasted wind gusts of up to 40 km/h and a top temperature of 34 degrees Celsius.
The bushfire is expected to spread in a southeasterly direction but Ms Whelan said authorities were also preparing for unpredictable conditions.
“We know this fire is spreading – slowly, but nevertheless spreading – through spotting separate to that wind direction,” she said.
“We do not want to concern the community but we do want them to be alert … not alarmed.”
The ACT fire chief will host a community meeting at 6pm on Tuesday at Uriarra community centre to provide an update to the fire and answer questions from residents.
Emergency services have been battling the fire overnight, with 15 firefighting units, six helicopters and a large air tanker battling the out-of-control fire in Orroral Valley.
There are 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.
Firefighters were expecting a challenging seven to 10 days, as a heatwave bears down on the nation’s capital.
Authorities warned the situation could get worse with hot and slightly windy conditions fanning the blaze.
Spot fires broke out five kilometres east from the main fire as the larger blaze heads southeast.
Canberrans have woken 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.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency has declared a total fire ban until midnight on Friday.
The Beard fire, which reached emergency level last week, has now been extinguished.
AAP
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