Emergency services in the Australian Capital Territory are responding to two separate bushfires burning within Namadgi National Park, south of Canberra. ACT Fire & Rescue crews are working to bring the blazes under control.
Incident Details and Locations
The two fires are burning in remote areas of the park. One fire is located near the historic Cotter Hut, while the second is burning in the vicinity of Bendoora Dam. Due to the challenging, inaccessible terrain, the response has required specialised resources.
ACT Fire & Rescue has deployed two remote area firefighting teams, supported by two water-bombing helicopters, to attack the fires directly. The strategy is focused on containment to prevent any spread.
Current Warning Level for the Community
Authorities have issued an advice-level warning for the area. This level indicates that a fire has started but there is no immediate threat to life or property. However, it serves as an alert for residents and visitors to stay informed.
People in and around the national park, including southern parts of Canberra, may notice significant smoke and hear or see helicopter activity as firefighting operations continue.
What an Advice Warning Means
An advice message is the lowest level of bushfire warning. It is used to keep the community informed about a fire that does not yet pose an imminent danger. Residents are advised to monitor the situation through official channels, such as the ACT Emergency Services Agency website, and to be prepared in case conditions change.
The response underscores the ongoing fire risk in the region, even outside of the traditional peak summer danger period. Firefighters are taking proactive measures to manage the incidents given the park's environmental significance and proximity to the capital.