Total Fire Ban in the ACT tomorrow

ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Dominic Lane has declared a Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) for the whole of the ACT under Section 114 of the Emergencies Act 2004 from:

12:00am Thursday 25 February, 2016 to 11:59pm Thursday 25 February, 2016.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a sunny day with winds north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending west to northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h in the afternoon. The temperature is expected to reach 37 degrees tomorrow.

The Forecast Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for tomorrow is predicted to be VERY HIGH.

While a Total Fire Ban is usually declared for forecast SEVERE FDR and above, the high temperatures in the past few days, drying conditions and expected strong north-westerly winds in the ACT has prompted the declaration of a TOBAN tomorrow.

Conditions tomorrow may still reach the SEVERE level.

If a fire starts at the forecast fire danger level of SEVERE it may be uncontrollable and move quickly. Flames may be higher than roof tops.

Expect embers to be blown around. Spot fires may occur up to 4 km ahead of the main fire.

There is a chance people in the path of a fire may be injured or die. Some homes and businesses may be destroyed.

Leaving early is the safest option for your survival.

Well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire.

The ESA advises you to make sure you know where you will get more information and monitor the situation for any changes. You can do this through local ACT media outlets, the ESA website esa.act.gov.au, the ESA Twitter and Facebook accounts or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

The following nature reserves and roads will be closed for the duration of the Total Fire Ban:

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, selected roads within Namadgi National Park including Apollo Road, Orroral Road, Old Mill Road, Warks Road, Mount Franklin Road and the Corin Dam Road, Googong Foreshores, Kowen Forest, Lower Molonglo River Corridor, Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary and the Centenary Trail between Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve and Hall.

The Boboyan Road and Brindabella Road remain open to through traffic.

The Tidbinbilla and Namadgi Visitors Centres will remain open.

Swimming areas at the Cotter and along the Murrumbidgee River such as Kambah Pool, Pine Island Point Hut and Uriarra Crossing will remain open.

Electric BBQs in Parks and Reserves including the National Arboretum Canberra and in Canberra's urban parks will be available, however all gas barbeques will be turned off.

If a fire starts, the ESA advises you monitor the situation for any changes through the ACT Emergency Services Agency website esa.act.gov.au, the ESA Twitter and Facebook accounts, local ACT media outlets or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

To find out more about Total Fire Bans log on to the ACT Emergency Services Agency website esa.act.gov.au or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.