In the Canberra suburb closest to the ongoing fire threat in the Namadgi National Park, there's a sense of unease, but residents are't panicking yet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Those living in Banks say they're preparing for a worst case scenario as the Orroral Valley fire continues to burn out of control with Friday and Saturday expected to bring the worst fire conditions.
As of 3pm on Thursday, spot fires were 8.1 kilometres away from Banks with the main fire nine kilometres away.
READ MORE:
Banks resident Amanda Williams has lived in the suburb for nine years and lived in Canberra through the 2003 bushfires.
She said at times the fire just over the mountains was a little too close for comfort.
"It's scary in a sense, because the fire isn't necessarily right here but it's heading this way," Ms Williams said.
"It could get worse in days to come, especially now they've closed Tharwa.
"It's just made me a bit more aware that the fire's getting closer."
Ms Williams said defence personnel have been doorknocking houses in recent days.
Doorknocking efforts have been expqanded in recent days across many southern Canberra suburbs, including Gordon, Theodore, Bonython and Greenway.
Ms Williams said she would help to water down nearby homes on the street if the fire got closer to properties but would evacuate if the situation got worse.
"I guess you have to keep an eye out and make sure it doesn't get worse," she said.
At the Banks shops on Thursday, it was business as normal for many.
However, the shops were being used by many residents from nearby Tharwa to replenish supplies.
Tharwa resident Jenna Hogan said the town was preparing for the weekend, when temperatures are expected to reach 42 degrees, set to exacerbate fire conditions.
"It's a case of stockpiling, everyone is getting prepared," she said.
"Many people are coming up into Tuggeranong to stock up on food. I've been coming up here for work as week.
"I've been through the 2003 fires, but I think it's a bit more subdued this time."
Another Tharwa resident, who declined to be named, said conditions on Tuesday, when the fire flared up, spurred many to act.
"You can feel the tension. You can feel the nervousness," he said.
"When the fire firs flared up, people were up on roofs hosing it down."
The fire has burnt more than 15,000 hectares and is expected to grow further in coming days.
Strong west and north-westerly winds of up to 50km/h are set to fan the flames.
READ MORE:
- ACT could enter state of emergency as bushfire threat increases
- Tharwa braces for fire as heat rises
- The treasures in the line of fire
- Far south Canberra residents warned of threat at community meeting
- Authorities issue warning over 'disaster tourists'
- Firefront threatens historic Orroral homestead
- Namadgi blaze is Canberra's worst fire threat since 2003
- Coast braces for torrid Friday, Saturday
- At least 21 homes lost from Batemans Bay to border since January 23
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
