Canberra residents may notice smoke and increased aerial activity in the Namadgi National Park as firefighters work to bring two separate blazes under control.
Incident Details and Firefighting Response
ACT Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to tackle two fires burning within the national park's boundaries. One fire is located in the vicinity of Cotter Hut, while the second is near Bendoora Dam.
Due to the remote and challenging terrain of the fire grounds, authorities have deployed significant specialist resources. The response includes two helicopters for aerial water bombing and intelligence gathering, alongside two remote area fire teams on the ground. These teams are specially trained to operate in difficult-to-access bushland.
Current Warning Level and Public Advice
An advice-level warning has been issued for the area. This official alert level indicates that a fire has started but there is no immediate danger to the community. It serves as a notification for people to stay informed and be aware of conditions.
Residents, particularly those in Canberra's southern suburbs and anyone visiting the park's edges, are advised that they may see or smell smoke and witness helicopter operations overhead. The public is urged to monitor the situation through official channels but no evacuation orders or immediate action is required at this stage.
Ongoing Containment Efforts
The primary focus for fire crews is to contain the fires and prevent any spread. The use of helicopters allows for rapid application of water or retardant to cool fire edges and protect sensitive areas, while ground teams work to establish containment lines.
Namadgi National Park, which forms the northern part of the Australian Alps, is a significant area of biodiversity and a popular recreation spot for Canberrans. Early intervention in such incidents is crucial to protect the park's ecological values and prevent small fires from escalating into major emergencies, especially during the summer period.
The operation is ongoing, and updates will be provided by emergency services as the situation develops.
