Thursday is looming as a day of considerable fire danger, as temperatures soar during what is likely to be Canberra's hottest November on record.
Temperatures reached about 34 degrees yesterday and today's brief respite is not expected to last, with the mercury expected to return to 34 again tomorrow, and Thursday and Friday both set to hit 37.
A total fire ban was put in place yesterday, and is likely to be repeated on Thursday as strong winds combine with the dry heat to elevate the fire risk.
Territory and Municipal Services' senior fire management officer Ross Burden said authorities had been reducing fuel loads across the city after heavy spring rains resulted in dense vegetation growth.
Mr Burden said Canberra would be well prepared for this year's fire season, with fuel reduction conducted across about 17,000ha in and around Canberra.
''With this hot weather that's come along, with a big spring that's given a lot of grass growth, we are undertaking a little bit more activity to try and deal with the increased grass,'' Mr Burden said.
Authorities have undertaken strategic slashing, grazing and prescribed burning, which has been complemented by the strengthening of fire trails and fire barriers.
Additional firefighters have also been put on duty and extra resources are on standby to cope with any emerging fire threats.
The Emergency Services Agency's acting deputy commissioner Greg Kent said the heatwave should serve as a reminder of the importance of early fire preparation.
Mr Kent said Canberrans should begin developing their fire plans and should keep an eye on local media for warnings or updates.
The fire danger is currently listed as ''severe'', which is the third highest level on the new national fire warning system.
Two controlled burns are expected to take place tonight in Evatt and Dunlop, complementing the six burns authorities have conducted over the past few months.
ACT Police have had to investigate a number of deliberately lit fires around the Tuggeranong suburbs of Calwell and Richardson.
Police believe the fires were lit by a group of young males in rubbish bins outside Richardson shops, the Alliance Church in Calwell, Calwell Primary School and in grassland near the Tuggeranong Homestead.
The Bureau of Meteorology's Senaka Wijekon said this month was likely to be the hottest November on record, with this week's temperatures likely to push the monthly average past the current record of 28.7 degrees, set in 1982.
The heat has also raised concerns about the potential health impact on vulnerable sections of the community.
ACT Health's Director of the Health Protection Service John Woollard has urged residents to stay cool and keep hydrated. Temperatures are expected to ease next week, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting Monday's temperature to drop to about 29 degrees.
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