What is a total fire ban and what is its purpose?

Put simply, it forbids fires out in the open. Mr Lane explained that you can't light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or undertake any "high risk" activity, which is one that is likely to cause a fire. Obviously people need to take care with these activities on all days, but firefighters declare a total fire ban when they've decided on that particular day it is not possible for them to immediately control and extinguish a fire.

What activities are banned?

Lots of activities that would usually be fine, such as welding, grinding, cutting metal or gas use. Any other construction activities that involve heat are banned. If you're planning on cooking a barbecue, electrical barbecues are preferable. The ACT government has a number of electrical barbecues in public places.

Mr Lane explained that gas barbecues are okay to use, as long as there is a hose nearby to extinguish a fire if one sparks. You must not leave the barbecue unattended. The ground within three metres of the barbecue must also be cleared of all inflammable materials. A barbecue or wood fire pizza oven that uses solid fuel, such as wood, charcoal or heat beads, cannot be used.

Still don't think the ban affects you? Think again. Mr Lane said it is everyone's responsibility to avoid activities such as driving through long grass, stopping a car on the side of the road near long grass, throwing cigarette butts onto the ground, fencing properties and mowing. All current fire permits are suspended.

Which places can't I go?

Any remote wilderness or forested areas. The Rural Fire Service has authorised the closure of nature reserves or parks. A number of NSW national parks are also impacted. See the ACT Rural Fire Service website for closures in the ACT and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for areas affected in NSW.

What conditions cause a total fire ban?

More than hot weather. They are enforced because of conditions that place the community at significant risk of injury or death and loss of property as a result of fire. Mr Lane explained that a very hot day would not ordinarily prompt him to enact a total fire ban on its own. He also takes into account conditions surrounding Canberra.

How is all of this enforced?

Anyone charged for deliberately lighting fires during total fire bans could face up to two years in jail and a $30,000 fine under ACT legislation. Last year, former ACT police minister Simon Corbell also announced it had become an offence to undertake a high risk activity in the open while a total fire ban is in place.

Will the ban definitely be over by midnight?

Total fire bans only last for a day at a time, but there's nothing stopping Mr Lane from declaring them on multiple days in a row, if conditions require it.

What if I see something that concerns me?

If you see any careless or criminal activity relating to total fire bans, call Crime Stoppers. If you see a fire break out that has the potential to threaten lives and property, call 000 immediately.

How can I stay updated on fire danger, stay alerted to nearby fires and prepare myself for the event of a bushfire?

Keep up to date with local media, including at canberratimes.com.au. The ACT ESA website is also updated regularly. You can download the NSW Rural Fire Service's Fires Near Me smartphone application for information on bush fire incidents in NSW. The NSW Rural Fire Service also urges residents to make a bushfire survival plan if they haven't already, which can be found at myfireplan.com.au. If you are affected by a bush fire, always listen to local firefighters and act on their advice.

What else should I keep in mind during a ban?

While it is important to do your part to keep fires from sparking and the community safe, Mr Lane also stressed the importance of keeping yourself safe in the heat.

"Remember to look after your pets, keep fully hydrated, stay inside, wear light clothing, download tips from the ACT Health website and of course never, ever leave children or young people in cars," he said.