Parliament House Evacuated Following Smoke Incident
Emergency services were called to Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday morning after reports of smoke emanating from within the building. The incident, which occurred on January 22, 2026, prompted a swift response from firefighters and led to the partial evacuation of the iconic federal seat of power.
Emergency Response and Investigation
According to the Emergency Services Agency, a structure fire was reported in the West Valve Room at approximately 9:39 am. Four fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, with crews working to assess the situation and ensure the safety of all occupants.
An ESA spokesperson confirmed that emergency services were alerted at 9:40 am after smoke was observed in an isolated area of Parliament House. Upon initial investigation, firefighters believe the cause of the smoke may have been an electrical fault, though no active flames were reported and there were no injuries.
Evacuation and Staff Movements
As a precautionary measure, a section of Parliament House was evacuated while the incident was being investigated. Staff working on the Senate side of the building were moved away from the affected area, with some relocating to the House of Representatives side or taking refuge in the building's courtyards.
Canberra Times staff reported being instructed to remain in their offices initially, with plans to leave the building shortly thereafter. One journalist noted the presence of fire trucks outside Parliament House, highlighting the visible emergency response.
Location and Impact
The suspected electrical fault was believed to be located on the ground floor of Parliament House, specifically in the communications room near the Senate entrance. This area houses critical infrastructure for parliamentary operations, though the exact extent of any damage remains unclear.
The incident caused temporary disruption to parliamentary activities, with staff and journalists affected by the evacuation orders. However, emergency services managed the situation efficiently, ensuring that all safety protocols were followed.
This event serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining electrical systems in major government buildings, particularly those as significant as Parliament House. The swift response from emergency services helped prevent any escalation of the incident, with normal operations expected to resume once investigations are complete.
