15 years on from the 2003 Canberra bushfires


Released 18/01/2018

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman today marked the 15th anniversary of the 2003 Canberra bushfires as an occasion for remembering the four people who died, the loss of 500 homes and those injured and displaced by the disaster.

“The 2003 Canberra bushfires were a tragic event in the history of this city,” Minister Gentleman said. “It is a day that will always remain in the memories of all Canberrans. Our thoughts today are with the victims of 2003.”

“Today is a day for reflection, but it is also a day to think about how prepared you and your family are if a bushfire were to strike our city again.”

A severe heatwave is predicted to impact the ACT from today, with the ACT Rural Fire Service advising it may cause Very High fire danger ratings.

“I would like to reassure our community, and those who are still recovering from 2003, that the ACT Emergency Services Agency is better prepared for a bushfire emergency than ever before,” Minister Gentleman said.

Minister Gentleman said it is also vital that residents take responsibility for their own bushfire preparations and look out for each other.

“Today’s anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the community and emergency services working together to keep our city safe - it is a shared responsibility,” Minister Gentleman said.

“If you have a bushfire survival plan and you’ve done the necessary work around your property, you give your family and your home the best chance of surviving a bushfire.

“I urge all Canberrans to download the National Fires Near Me app, download and update a bushfire survival plan from the ESA website and heed community warnings issued by emergency services,” Minister Gentleman concluded.

For more tips on how you can prepare for bushfire, to check if you live in a bushfire prone area, and to see real-time alerts and warnings visit the emergency services website www.esa.act.gov.au.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases

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