On October 3, a briefing on the bushfire situation was held for the local diplomatic corps at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) by Rohan Scott, Director of the Rural Fire Service of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA). Below are the key points from the briefing provided by the ACT Government. We hope you find this information helpful, including the additional references at the end.
In the event of an incident involving yourself or if you receive information about an incident involving a Japanese national, please report the case to the police and fire departments with the individual’s consent, and notify the Embassy.
Key Points from the ACT Government
• In the 2003 bushfires, more than 70% of the grasslands and parks were affected, resulting in fatalities (4 deaths), hundreds of injuries, and property damage. Although Canberra has avoided large-scale bushfires in recent years, the risks are increasing due to factors such as climate change.
• The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has designated October 1 to March 31 as the bushfire season and is urging Canberra residents to prepare for the risks. A Bushfire Prone Area map has been created, and much of the ACT falls under this category. During this period, permits are required for activities like preventive burns, and penalties have been increased for violations. On high-risk days, the ACT Government can declare a Total Fire Ban (TOBAN), prohibiting the use of fire entirely.
• The ESA’s Rural Fire Service (RFS) monitors bushfire risks and raises awareness. RFS provides visual warning signs (Fire Danger Rating Signs: FDRS) using a color-coded system—green, yellow, orange, and red—displayed on electronic signboards along major roads and on the ESA website. Yellow signifies preparation for action, orange indicates evacuation, and red calls for immediate evacuation. For levels yellow and above, warnings are also pushed to individuals’ mobile phones in cooperation with mobile carriers.
• Residents are advised to clean up around their homes, ensuring no leaves or debris accumulate, and to prepare in advance by setting up evacuation plans, backing up important documents (e.g., taking photos), and assembling emergency kits. While the ACT Government may set up evacuation shelters in dire situations, these will be very limited. It is recommended that individuals decide on evacuation sites such as shopping malls or schools, rather than relying solely on government shelters.
• If a bushfire occurs, some transportation routes within Canberra may be disrupted, and even the airport could temporarily close, depending on the location of the fire. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss emergency actions with family members in advance.
• During disasters, there is a risk of an increase in burglaries. Please manage your valuables carefully on a daily basis.
References – ACT Government Public Information
1. Canberra, often referred to as the “Bush Capital,” has vast bushfire-prone areas, and the risk of bushfires is rising due to factors such as climate change.
2. Information on bushfire danger ratings and fire occurrences can be found on the ACT Government disaster information website:
https://esa.act.gov.au/
3. Key preparedness measures include:
a. Create a survival plan (available for download at the URL below), discuss emergency actions with family members, and keep up to date with information.
https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready/resources-plans/survival-plan
b. Remove flammable materials like dry grass and branches around your home or workplace.
c. Store important documents (e.g., bankbooks) in a portable box or take photos and save them digitally.
d. Prepare emergency supplies (flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, water, charger, cash, etc.).
e. Have appropriate clothing for emergencies (long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, safety goggles, gloves, masks, safety shoes, diapers).
f. Download a hazard map.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app
4. In the event of a bushfire near you, follow these guidelines and respond promptly:
a. Actively gather information and take necessary action without waiting for emergency notifications.
b. Inform family or those around you of your location and activities (safety confirmation).
c. Do not rely solely on one source of information when gathering updates.
d. Sometimes it may be safer to stay indoors, so remain calm and assess the situation carefully.
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