TOTAL FIRE BAN DECLARED in the ACT for tomorrow with a SEVERE Fire Danger Rating forecast

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

12:00am Thursday 16 January, 2014 to 11:59pm Thursday 16 January, 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting hot and sunny conditions tomorrow with lights winds freshening through the day and a predicted temperature of 39 degrees.

The Forecast Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for tomorrow is predicted to be SEVERE.

If a fire starts at the forecast fire danger level of SEVERE it may be uncontrollable and move quickly. Flames may be higher than roof tops.

Expect embers to be blown around. Spot fires may occur up to 4 km ahead of the main fire.

There is a chance people in the path of a fire may be injured or die. Some homes and businesses may be destroyed.

Leaving early is the safest option for your survival.

Well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire.

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.

For details on nature reserves and road closures as a result of the total fire ban in the ACT visit www.tams.act.gov.au.

If a fire starts during the Total Fire Ban declaration period, the ESA advises you monitor the situation for any changes through local ACT media outlets, the ACT Emergency Services Agency website esa.act.gov.au 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.