The Orroral Valley Fire is at a WATCH AND ACT level bushfire warning.
Fire activity is increasing as conditions deteriorate. Community members in Tharwa Village, Boboyan Road, Apollo Road, Top Naas Road and Nass Road need to remain vigilant.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) advises that people in the vicinity of:
- Apollo Road
- Boboyan Road, north of the Glendale depot
- Top Naas Road, south of the Boboyan Road intersection
- Corin Road could be affected by the Orroral Valley Fire.
Conditions are changing and could get worse.
No properties are under immediate threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) if you or your property are under threat.
People in the area may be affected by smoke, which could reduce visibility and air quality.
If you have left the area, do not return for your safety.
There is currently no threat to the southern suburbs of the ACT, but conditions can change quickly.
People in Tharwa and the southern ACT suburbs of Banks, Gordon and Conder and surrounding areas should monitor conditions closely and be ready to act. If you feel unsafe, the best option is to leave early.
Make sure you are prepared. Do not wait to see firefighters or signs of fire to act.
What you should do:
- Activate your Bushfire Survival Plan if you have one
- If you do not have a Bushfire Survival Plan identify where you will go if you need to leave.
- Go to esa.act.gov.au for regular bushfire updates.
- Listen to your local radio station.
- Bring your pets inside, close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
- Locate important documents, emergency kit, medication, animals, and family members.
- Inform your family, friends, and neighbours of your plans and see if they need help preparing.
- Moving your car outside if you have an electric garage door.
- Arrange alternative transport in case of evacuation if you do not have access to a car.
- Taking any additional action to protect your livestock and property.
Current situation:
- The fire is out of control and travelling in a south easterly direction.
- The size of the fire is currently approximately 35, 518 Ha.
- Fire conditions today are erratic and volatile. Heavy spotting is occurring ahead of the main fire front.
- Properties may be impacted by embers well ahead of the fire causing spot fires.
- Power, water and mobile phone service may be lost, and road conditions may become dangerous.
- This fire has crossed the border into NSW. Areas around Mt Clear, Cillinto and Michelago are currently under threat and Emergency Warnings have been issued by NSWRFS.
- This eastern flank is now known as the Clear Range Fire, with response and public information managed by NSW Rural Fire Service.
- Drones are not permitted to operate anywhere near the fireground.
If conditions change, firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door or in your street.
Keep up to date:
- Check the ESA website (esa.act.gov.au)
- Follow ESA Twitter account (@ACT_ESA) and ESA Facebook account (@ACTEmergencyServicesAgency)
- Download and monitor the NSW RFS Fires Near Me mobile app
- Stay tuned to your local radio station
- Contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Next update will be provided by 3PM or if the situation changes.