Update - Pierces Creek Bush/Grass fire - ADVICE

Westerly winds will drift smoke over the ACT today from the Pierces Creek fire and continue to be visible over the coming days. The Health Directorate advises that people with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the dust or smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor local media and the ESA website for more information about this situation as it progresses. The ACT Emergency Services Agency advises the community that the current alert level for this fire remains ADVICE. This means that while there is still a fire, there is no immediate danger to the community. Crews are continue work to strengthen containment lines. There is no threat to property and no evacuations have been ordered for residents, horses or other animals. The fire continues to be uncontrolled but conditions are presently favourable. Due to the terrain, firefighters are experiencing milder conditions than the public may feel in the city. Due to back-burning operations the size has increased to 189 hectares, and 7km away from the nearest suburb (Kambah). A map of the fire is available at www.esa.act.gov.au. Crew levels remain at 13 ACT Rural Fire Service units, five helicopters, three bull-dozers and two graders. The Fire Danger Rating is VERY HIGH today. The community is encouraged to regularly check www.esa.act.gov.au for updates. The public should avoid the area so emergency crews can focus efforts on extinguishing the fire. The following roads are closed due to the fire: o Kambah Pool Road, from Kambah Pool to Mount Vernon Drive o Paddy's River Road, between the Cotter Road picnic area (near Brindabella Road) and Tidbinbilla Road to the intersection of Point Hut Crossing The following areas are not accessible: o Kambah Pool o Camp Cottermouth o Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve o Bullen Range Nature Reserve o Pierces Creek forest Earlier this morning, crews were alerted to smoke at Bullen Ranges Nature Reserve. Investigations by ground crews and aircraft found no flames, and it was believed to be smoke pushed from the Pierces Creek fire. The area will continue to be monitored throughout the day.