WATCH AND ACT - Grass fire in Latham

ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Rural Fire Service is working to extinguish a grass fire burning at Latham.

The Bushfire Alert and Warning Level for this fire has been set at WATCH AND ACT.

There are 11 units and two helicopters on scene. The fire is creating significant smoke in the area.

The fire is located just west of Dalley Crescent, Inglis Place, Mcfarlan Place and Moorehead Place.

The fire is approximately one hectare in size at this time and is out of control.

The fire is burning at a moderate rate and is heading in a easterly direction towards the streets mentioned above.

The Fire Danger Rating where this fire is burning is VERY HIGH.

Fires burning in VERY HIGH conditions can be difficult to control - flames may burn into the tree tops.

There is a chance people may die or be injured.

Some homes and businesses may be damaged or destroyed.

Well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire.

Embers may be blown ahead of the fire.

Spot fires may occur up to 2 km ahead of the fire.

Your home will only offer safety if it and you are well prepared and you can actively defend it during a fire.

Leaving is the safest option for your survival. You should relocate to the location identified in your Bushfire Survival Plan.

The ESA advises you to monitor the situation for any changes through local ACT media outlets, the ESA website esa.act.gov.au, ESA Twitter account @ACT_ESA, ESA Facebook account @ACT Emergency Services Agency, the national version of the Fires Near Me mobile device App or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

This advice should be read in conjunction with current weather conditions. Current weather observations can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology website http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/act/observations/canberra.shtml