The ACT's first total fire ban of 2017 has been declared and its fire danger rating on Wednesday is very high.
The total fire ban, which is also in place for Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley, is in force until 11.59pm.
Meanwhile, the ACT Rural Fire Service has expressed concern about the sweltering top of 37 degrees and strong wind gusts forecast in the region as firefighters continue to tackle a fierce blaze near Tarago, east of Canberra, which is burning out of control.
So, what does this all mean and how will it affect us? We asked ACT Emergency Services Commissioner Dominic Lane to give us the run down.
What is a total fire ban and what is its purpose?
Put simply, it forbids fires out in the open. Mr Lane explained that you can't light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or undertake any "high risk" activity, which is one that is likely to cause a fire. Obviously people need to take care with these activities on all days, but firefighters declare a total fire ban when they've decided on that particular day it is not possible for them to immediately control and extinguish a fire.
What activities are banned?
Lots of activities that would usually be fine, such as welding, grinding, cutting metal or gas use. Any other construction activities that involve heat are banned. If you're planning on cooking a barbecue, electrical barbecues are preferable. The ACT government has a number of electrical barbecues in public places.
Mr Lane explained that gas barbecues are okay to use, as long as there is a hose nearby to extinguish a fire if one sparks. You must not leave the barbecue unattended. The ground within three metres of the barbecue must also be cleared of all inflammable materials. A barbecue or wood fire pizza oven that uses solid fuel, such as wood, charcoal or heat beads, cannot be used.
Still don't think the ban affects you? Think again. Mr Lane said it is everyone's responsibility to avoid activities such as driving through long grass, stopping a car on the side of the road near long grass, throwing cigarette butts onto the ground, fencing properties and mowing. All current fire permits are suspended today.
Which places can't I go?
Any remote wilderness or forested areas. The Rural Fire Service has authorised the closure of nature reserves or parks today. A number of NSW national parks are also impacted. See the ACT Rural Fire Service website for closures in the ACT and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for areas affected in NSW.
What conditions cause a total fire ban?
More than hot weather. They are enforced because of conditions that place the community at significant risk of injury or death and loss of property as a result of fire. Mr Lane explained that the 37-degree day tipped for Canberra would not ordinarily prompt him to enact a total fire ban. But he was concerned about conditions surrounding Canberra which saw the fire near Tarago spread rapidly and fail to be contained.
"So while we would not normally put a fire ban on for today, I am concerned because our surrounding fire weather areas, the southern ranges and slopes to our east, north and east, are going into severe fire danger conditions," Mr Lane said. "When you combine that with the current fire operation to our east, it puts additional stress on local resources."
How is all of this enforced?
Anyone charged for deliberately lighting fires during total fire bans could face up to two years in jail and a $30,000 fine under ACT legislation. Last year, former ACT police minister Simon Corbell also announced it had become an offence to undertake a high risk activity in the open while a total fire ban is in place.
Will the ban definitely be over by midnight?
Most likely, Mr Lane said. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a cool change overnight that will make for an expected lower fire danger on Thursday. The fire danger rating in the ACT for Wednesday is very high.
What if I see something that concerns me?
If you see any careless or criminal activity relating to total fire bans, call Crime Stoppers. If you see a fire break out that has the potential to threaten lives and property, call 000 immediately.
How can I stay updated on fire danger, stay alerted to nearby fires and prepare myself for the event of a bushfire?
Keep up to date with local media, including at canberratimes.com.au. The ACT ESA website is also updated regularly. You can download the NSW Rural Fire Service's Fires Near Me smartphone application for information on bush fire incidents in NSW. The NSW Rural Fire Service also urges residents to make a bushfire survival plan if they haven't already, which can be found at myfireplan.com.au. If you are affected by a bush fire, always listen to local firefighters and act on their advice.
What else should I keep in mind today?
While it is important to do your part to keep fires from sparking and the community safe, Mr Lane also stressed the importance of keeping yourself safe in the heat.
"We are seeing our seventh day in recent times over 35 degrees, which is a constant reminder to look after the young, old or sick," he said.
"Remember to look after your pets, keep fully hydrated, stay inside, wear light clothing, download tips from the ACT Health website and of course never, ever leave children or young people in cars."