Bushfire season starts in the ACT – 1 October

Bushfire season in the ACT begins tomorrow, 1 October 2024 and is expected to run through until 31 March 2025.

With Canberra being the ‘bush capital’ of Australia, bush and grass fires are not only likely but almost guaranteed to occur. It is vital we all take steps to be emergency ready and do our part to mitigate the risk of such events.

To keep our community safe and informed the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) will implement three things throughout bushfire season. Fire Danger Rating Signs, mandatory fire permits and total fire bans (TOBANS).

Fire Danger Rating signs: These signs are displayed electronically on major arterial roads and give you an indication of the consequences of a fire, if one were to start. The fire danger rating is also updated daily on the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) website throughout the season. Residents should use this information to inform their survival plans.

Fire Permits: Both urban and rural residents in the ACT are required to obtain fire permits for any open-air burning activities during the bushfire season. These permits play a crucial role in enhancing community safety by ensuring that the ACTRFS is aware of planned burns, enabling them to inform the public and prevent unnecessary emergency calls.

Total Fire Bans (TOBANS): On days of elevated fire danger, increased fire activity, or when weather conditions are likely to increase the spread of fire, the ESA may declare a TOBAN for all, or part of the ACT. It is essential for residents to understand that during a TOBAN, high-risk activities such as operating certain machinery and open fires are prohibited, and all previously issued fire permits are suspended. Compliance with these bans is essential to safeguard lives and property during periods of heightened fire danger.

Quotes attributed to ACTRFS Chief Officer, Rohan Scott:

“Proactive measures are important when reducing the risk of grass and bushfires across the ACT. Having a plan and knowing the dangers are your best defence in an emergency.”

“Although we haven’t seen any significant grass or bushfires in the ACT over recent years, they are still one of the biggest risks our territory faces. We recommend taking the start of the season as an opportunity to discuss your emergency plan with your household, specifically what you will do in the event of a bushfire emergency – the ESA website has a range of resources to help you discuss and plan.”

“The ACTRFS is committed to keeping the ACT safe, however this can only be done with the support of our community. That is why it is vital that during bushfire season people check the daily Fire Danger Rating, apply for and secure fire permits and adhere to Total Fire Bans when declared”.

For more information on being emergency ready this bushfire season and what to do in an emergency, please visit www.esa.act.gov.au.

Residents residing in rural or country areas outside the urban areas of Canberra who need to apply for a fire permit are encouraged to contact the ACTRFS at 6207 8609 or via email at rfs@act.gov.au.

Statement ends