The State of Alert in the ACT has been downgraded and now only applies to rural and remote areas of the Territory.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentlemen said the decision was based on improved weather conditions and containment of fires burning close to the ACT.
“We have not taken the decision to amend the declaration lightly and have acted on the expert advice of ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan based on current conditions and our readiness to respond to fire risk near our border,” Mr Gentlemen said.
He said ACT fire crews had assisted NSW crews in making significant progress to contain the three fire fronts burning near the ACT.
“Residents in our rural and remote locations, including those in Tharwa and Uriarra Village, need to remain alert and prepared for the threat of bushfire crossing our borders,” Mr Gentlemen said.
“A State of Alert is a serious measure introduced to signal to the community the need to take action and be alert.”
“It has ensured our emergency services and broader ACT Government services have been responsive to the needs of the community during heightened risk.”
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the State of Alert status change and expected reduction in smoke haze meant Canberrans could “breathe a little easier”.
“We will continue to assess the situation and remain ready to change the State of Alert or move into a State of Emergency as required,” Mr Barr said.
“The community has worked hard over recent weeks to respond to the State of Alert, prepare their Bushfire Survival Plans and think about what they would do if fire did enter the suburbs.”
The State of Alert had been in place across the ACT since 2 January.
