Update - Pierces Creek Bush/Grass fire - ADVICE

The ACT Emergency Services Agency advises the community the current alert level for this fire has been downgraded to ADVICE. This means that while there is still a fire, there is no immediate danger to the community. There is currently no threat to property and no evacuations have been ordered for residents, horses or other animals. The Fire Danger Rating for the ACT is VERY HIGH, and will likely remain this way throughout the weekend. This means it may be uncontrollable and move quickly, and flames may be higher than roof tops. The fire continues to be uncontrolled and is heading in a south-easterly direction. The size of the fire is 147 hectares, and is 7km away from the nearest suburb (Kambah). A map of the fire is available at www.esa.act.gov.au. There are 10 fire crews on site. Back-burning activities will be undertaken overnight, weather permitting. Three bulldozers and two graders are also working to assist with efforts at the site by building containment lines. The Bureau of Meteorology's severe thunderstorm warning for the ACT and surrounding region has been cancelled. 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. Some members of the community have chosen to take their horses to Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) who are offering free stabling. Information about this is available on the EPIC website: www.exhibitionparkincanberra.com. A Total Fire Ban is not expected to be issued tomorrow. Further updates will be provided if conditions change. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor local media and the ESA website for more information about this situation as it progresses.