Total Fire Ban

The ACT Emergency Services Agency declares a Total Fire Ban when necessary to prevent the outbreak or spread of fires. On Total Fire Ban days you are not allowed to light, use or maintain a fire in the open air. All major media outlets are notified of Total Fire Ban days and information is posted at www.esa.act.gov.au

In the event of a Total Fire Ban being declared for the ACT, access restrictions and closures will apply to many of the public reserves, pine forests and other areas including:

• Googong Foreshores;
• Kowen Forest;
• Molonglo Gorge;
• selected roads within Namadgi National Park including Old Mill Road, Warks Road, Mt Franklin Road at Piccadilly Circus, and the Corin Dam Road beyond Smokers Gap; and
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Canberra Nature Park, Lower Molonglo River Corridor, Murrays Corner, and the Forest areas generally remain open to the public during the morning hours. Users are requested to leave these areas no later than 11 am and organised activities are usually postponed or cancelled.

Electric barbecues provided at the Cotter, Casuarina Sands, Pine Island and in Canberra’s urban parks will continue to be available. All gas barbeques will be turned off.

There may be instances where camping and recreation areas are closed due to forecasts of extreme fire weather (with or without the declaration of a Total Fire Ban). These closures are made in the interests of public safety.

Full and up to date information on closures can be gained from Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

More information about Total Fire Bans is available at www.esa.act.gov.au