Released 31/03/2020
The ACT’s toughest bushfire season since 2003 ends today.
Minister Gentlman said the 2019/20 bushfire season had officially been declared over by the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).
"I thank Commissioner Whelan and all the staff across the ACT involved in keeping Canberra safe during bushfire, smoke haze, hailstorms and heat waves, culminating in the devastating Orroral Valley fire," Minister Gentleman said.
"Frontline firefighting efforts protected Canberra homes along with a number of cultural and heritage assets assisted by aerial support including the ACT’s Specialist Intelligence Gathering (SIG) Helicopter and Very Large Air Tanker."
"The ACT was faced with the driest conditions on record that saw strong winds, thick dust and smoke, hazardous air quality and the hottest day on record reaching 44 degrees - conditions proved volatile and challenging for firefighters."
"The commitment of our emergency services personnel and volunteers in ensuring the safety of the Canberra community won’t be forgotten. Thank you for your selflessness and dedication."
"We also saw the Canberra community come together to support their neighbours and colleagues during a very challenging time."
During this time there were several notable achievements, including:
- Quickly responding to and extinguishing the first significant bush and grass fire of the season, the Beard Fire that was declared out 30 January 2020.
- Containing and extinguishing the Orroral Valley Fire, ensuring no lives or properties were lost. After 40 days of continuous firefighting The Orroral Valley fire was declared out 27 February 2020.
- Deployment of over 2,160 ACT personnel who supported our colleagues and communities in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
- Monitoring 24 Total Fire Ban days. Traditionally the ACT has six Total Fire Ban days throughout a bushfire season.
- Simultaneously managing bushfire and hail damage responses following Canberra’s worst ever hailstorm on 20 January.
- Issuing more than 350 warnings and public information updates to keep Canberrans informed via emergency alerts and warnings, information updates and community meetings.
ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Georgeina Whelan credits preparedness as the key to keeping Canberrans safe.
"Together, our team of teams, from ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Ambulance Service and ACT State Emergency Service, supported by ESA emergency management, ACT Parks & Conservation Service, ACT Policing and the Australian Defence Force ensured the safety of the Canberra community remained a priority."
"ESA works all year round to prepare our staff, volunteers and the community for the bushfire season."
"Canberrans can remain assured that all ESA personnel and volunteers are continuing to work together the further strengthen and adapt to learnings from the season," Commissioner Whelan concluded.
ESA are undertaking an after-action review to consider what improvements can be made to bushfire preparedness and responses in preparation for the 2020-21 bushfire season.
From today, fire permits will no longer be required for rural land holders wishing to conduct burns. Land holders are still asked to notify authorities if they plan to conduct burns. Penalties apply if fires are left unattended or escape containment.
The official 2019-20 bushfire season for the ACT began 1 October 2019 and concludes today, 31 March 2020.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases