Total Fire Ban to continue in the ACT tomorrow with an EXTREME fire danger rating forecast

ACT Emergency Services Agency Acting Commissioner Tony Graham has declared a Total Fire Ban for the whole of the ACT under Section 114 of the Emergencies Act 2004 from:

12:00am January 12, 2013 to 11:59 pm January 12, 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a very hot day with strong west to northwesterly winds tomorrow and a predicted top temperature of 37 degrees.

The forecast Fire Danger Rating for tomorrow is predicted to be EXTREME.

If a fire starts at the forecast fire danger level of EXTREME it may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving - flames will be higher than roof tops.

There is a very high likelihood that people in the path of the fire will be injured or die. Many homes and businesses will be destroyed.

Only well prepared, well constructed and actively defended houses are likely to offer safety during a fire.

Thousands of embers will be blown around.

Spot fires will move quickly and come from many directions, up to 6 km ahead of the fire.

For your survival leaving is the best option. You should relocate to the location identified in your Bushfire Survival Plan.

The ESA advises you to make sure you know where you will get more information and monitor the situation for any changes. You can do this through local ACT media outlets, the ESA website esa.act.gov.au, the ESA Twitter and Facebook accounts or by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

To find out more about Total Fire Bans log on to the ACT Emergency Services Agency website esa.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.