Update - Pierces Creek Bush/Grass fire - ADVICE

Firefighters continued to work overnight to extinguish the fire at Pierces Creek and strengthen containment lines. The ACT Emergency Services Agency advises the community that the current alert level for this fire remains ADVICE. This means that while there is still a fire, there is no immediate danger to the community. There is also currently no threat to property and no evacuations have been ordered for residents, horses or other animals. The fire continues to be uncontrolled but conditions are presently favourable. The rain dampened the fireground overnight but as it dries out the fire behavior may change. Due to back-burning operations the size has increased to 175 hectares, and 7km away from the nearest suburb (Kambah). A map of the fire is available at www.esa.act.gov.au. There are about 13 ACT Rural Fire Service crews and five helicopters working to control the fire. ACT Fire & Rescue crews have been stood-up should additional support be needed. There are also three bulldozers and two graders assisting with building containment lines on-site today. The Bureau of Meteorology's is forecasting a warm day with moderate winds this morning. A Total Fire Ban is not in place today. The Fire Danger Rating is LOW-MODERATE but is expected to increase to VERY HIGH during the day. The community is encouraged to regularly check www.esa.act.gov.au for updates. The public should avoid the area so emergency crews can focus efforts on extinguishing the fire. The following roads are closed due to the fire: o Kambah Pool Road, from Kambah Pool to Mount Vernon Drive o Paddy's River Road, between the Cotter Road picnic area (near Brindabella Road) and Tidbinbilla Road to the intersection of Point Hut Crossing The following areas are not accessible: o Kambah Pool o Camp Cottermouth o Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve The Health Directorate advises that people with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the dust or smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor local media and the ESA website for more information about this situation as it progresses.