Released 30/03/2018
Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Gordon Ramsay, together with the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) Commissioner Dominic Lane, has announced the official end to the 2017-18 bushfire season on 31 March 2018, but urged Canberrans to remain prepared.
“Whilst is has been a relatively safe fire season to date, very dry conditions mean there is still a significant bushfire risk to the ACT and surrounding regions,” Minister Ramsay said.
“There were well-coordinated cross-service relationships between the ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT Fire & Rescue this season.
“The ESA activated pre-formed Incident Management Teams on two Total Fire Ban days during the season, which ensured they were fully prepared in the event of a fire.
“This preparation proved effective when a small number of grass fires started and our emergency services worked together to quickly bring them under control.”
From Saturday 1 April 2018, 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.
“Dedicated volunteers within our fire services remain active all year round, a reminder that despite milder conditions, there is always the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment,” Minister Ramsay said.
“I would like to thank our emergency service personnel and volunteers who doorknocked almost 1,600 homes to remind householders of their bushfire risk and how to prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan.”
ESA will undertake a review of the season to see what improvements can be made to bushfire preparedness and response for the next bushfire season, and encourage the community to also review their bushfire survival plans during the cooler months.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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