27 September 2023

Bushfire season starts on a slow burn

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The Territory’s 2021-22 bushfire season officially commenced on Monday (1 November) following an initial delay due to above average rainfall over the winter months.

Joining Commissioner for the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA), Georgeina Whelan for the announcement, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the bushfire risk was expected to remain low throughout November and December.

“However, when grass begins to cure over summer, this will bring an increased threat of grass fires,” Mr Gentleman said.

“Grasslands around the ACT currently have high moisture content, but as the weather starts to warm up and the grasslands dry out, we will see an increased risk of fast-moving grass fires,” he said.

Commissioner Whelan said grass fires often developed quickly and could leave people with a minimal amount of time to get ready, but evacuations were not usually required.

“Grass fires can move three times faster than a bushfire and can start easily and spread quickly,” she said.

“If your home is impacted by a grass fire, it’s usually not required to leave your suburb or local area.

“Instead, avoid driving and blocking roads for emergency vehicles.

“Simply walk several streets away from the risk and stay up to date with emergency information via the ACTESA channels.”

Commissioner Whelan said the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) had spent the off season preparing for bush and grass fires by providing ongoing skill and maintenance training, as well as monitoring areas for heightened risk.

“The community should be confident knowing our firefighting Agencies within the territory are prepared for the approaching season,” she said.

“We are now encouraging our community to also prepare and that includes our Rural Landowners who, through the maintenance of their rural homes and properties, provide essential land management and protection from fires which start in more rural areas.”

Mr Gentleman encouraged people to prepare with their households so that they knew what to do in an emergency.

“This is a timely reminder to all Canberrans to know what you will do in an emergency,” he said.

“Take the time with your household to discuss and prepare or update your Survival Plan.”

Mr Gentleman said knowing where to go for information and how to evacuate in a COVID-safe way would ensure the safety of people’s family and the community.

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