A total fire ban has been declared for the ACT for the first time since January 2020.
The ban takes effect from tonight at midnight and will continue for 24 hours, throughout Saturday.
The government said weather conditions in the territory were causing “elevated fire danger, meaning any fires that occur are likely to spread rapidly and be harder for firefighters to control”.
“When a TOBAN is declared, all open-air fires are prohibited and high-risk activities such as welding, grinding, and grass-cutting are not permitted unless an exemption has been granted,” the government said.
“Fire permits are suspended for the duration of the ban.
“Gas or electric BBQs may still be used if they are supervised, clear of flammable materials, and have water or a fire extinguisher on hand.
“In public spaces, electric BBQs remain active, while gas BBQs will be switched off.”
Australia heatwave live updates: Read our blog for the latest news as out-of-control bushfires burn and temperatures soar for a third day.
60km/h winds predicted
ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott says Canberrans should review their bushfire survival plans. (ABC News: Toby Hunt)
ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott said the ban was “about protecting lives, property and our environment”.
“The total fire ban has been declared because weather conditions predicted for Saturday mean any fires that start will be difficult to control, increasing the risk of bushfires spreading quickly,” he said.
Mr Scott said winds of 60km/h were predicted for Saturday, which, combined with the heatwave, had prompted the decision.
“For us it’s usually the winds that are the tipping factor,” he said.
“We also look at what the other jurisdictions around us are like.”
On Wednesday, dozens of regions experienced their highest temperatures in years.
In northern Victoria, several bushfires have been burning and residents in some areas have been warned to prepare for more property losses.
Read more about the heatwave:
Spot fires have been burning in Namadgi National Park over the past week and are currently under control and at patrol status.
Mr Scott said fire tankers and an incident management team would be on stand-by on Saturday in case a fire was sparked.
He said a cool change was expected on Sunday and authorities hoped it would start earlier than predicted.
Summernats events likely unaffected by total fire ban
The total fire ban will be in effect as the capital hosts Australia’s largest car festival, Summernats.
At-capacity crowds of 130,000 are expected to attend the four-day festival for car demonstrations, burnout competitions and live music.
On social media, the Emergency Services Agency said it believed the festival could go ahead as planned while the total fire ban was in place.
The Summernats Burnout Masters is a major drawcard of the annual festival. (ABC News: Donal Sheil)
The Canberra Centenary Trail Northern Border Campsite has been closed, but all other campsites remain open.
Canberrans have been urged to review their survival plans and follow the advice on the Emergency Services Agency website for how to prepare for a bushfire.
“This Total Fire Ban is an important reminder for all of us to check our own preparedness. That means review your survival plan, clear your property of hazards, and stay informed,” Emergency Services Minister Marisa Paterson said.
“I want to thank the Emergency Services Agency for the work they’ve done to prepare for this bushfire season. Their planning, training and resourcing give me confidence that teams are ready to respond quickly and effectively when our community needs them.”