There was minimal fire activity today and crews continued to strengthen containment lines. Conditions on the fireground were favourable, and our ground-based Remote Area Firefighting Team (RAFT) mopped up hot spots in rugged terrain inaccessible to emergency vehicles.
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.
The fire is being controlled and remains at 204 hectares. The fire is 7km away from the nearest suburb (Kambah). A map of the fire is available at www.esa.act.gov.au.
Tonight, crews will be scaled back as a result of good progress today. Four crews will remain overnight to monitor and dampen down hot spots. Tomorrow morning, additional RAFT crews will be deployed to focus efforts again on the eastern edge of the fire. They will be assisted by three helicopters.
The Fire Danger Rating will reach HIGH tomorrow with north-westerly winds expected. Smoke may continue to drift across the ACT in the coming days from the Pierces Creek fire.
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.
At 6am tomorrow (Monday, 5 November 2018), Paddys River Road and Tidbinbilla Road will open. The following areas will also open tomorrow at 6am:
o Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
o Camp Cottermouth
o Bullen Range Nature Reserve
Kambah Pool Road, Kambah Pool and Pierces Creek forest remains closed until advised otherwise.
The community is encouraged to regularly check www.esa.act.gov.au for updates.