A state of emergency has been declared in the ACT for the first time since the 2003 bushfire crisis.
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As the situation unfolds and the fires begin to escalate, here's what you need to know.
Make sure to check the timestamp at the top of this article to ensure the information you are reading is up to date.
What does a state of emergency mean?
A state of emergency is the strongest possible signal the ACT government can send to the community to prepare for the worst.
It allows the ACT Emergency Services Agency commissioner Georgeina Whelan to co-ordinate resources across the ACT government to respond to the unfolding fire.
It's important to note a state of emergency does not mean the Orroral Valley bushfire is at an emergency level. As of 12.39pm on Sunday, the fire is at a "Watch and Act" warning.
How long will the state of emergency last?
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the state of emergency will be issued for as long as Canberra is at risk.
"It's the strongest signal we can send to Canberrans to prepare for the worst situation," he said.
Where is the fire right now?
The Orroral Valley fire is burning in the Namadgi National Park and has burnt nearly 55,234 hectares since it started on January 27, as of 12.36pm on Sunday afternoon.
As of late morning Sunday fires were still more than one kilometre from Tharwa and around 6.4 kilometres from the southern Canberra suburb of Gordon.
The south-eastern front of the fire is continuing to travel further into NSW, where it is being referred to as the Clear Range fire. That fire is expected to merge with the Clear Range fire in the Michelago area later on Sunday.
The fire has burnt through more than 23 per cent of the entire ACT.
What parts of the ACT are at risk?
The fire is threatening the village of Tharwa to Canberra's south, however there are firebreaks in between the fire at Mt Tennent and the village itself.
There are five firebreaks in total between the fire at Mt Tennent and the southern suburbs of Tuggeranong, including Banks, Gordon and Conder.
Doorknocking took place in Canberra's western and southern suburbs on Saturday, and is continuing on Sunday where needed.
It's estimated more than 7500 homes have been doorknocked in recent days by emergency services and defence personnel.
If I live near those areas, what should I do?
You should have your bushfire survival plan ready to go.
Bushfire survival plans are different for different homes and families.
For some people, it means evacuating early, or having the car packed and ready to go.
People living in Banks, Gordon, Conder and Tharwa are advised to stay up to date.
For others who have the ability to defend their property, that can mean staying at home and making those preparations.
Plans can be different for people living right next door to each other. The most important thing is to get your plan ready as early as you can.
More information on developing your plan can be found here.
What is the name of the fire?
The main fire burning in Namadgi National park is known as the Orroral Valley fire.
The fire has crossed the border into NSW, and its eastern flank is being referred to as the Clear Range fire, which is being managed by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Adaminaby Complex fire is still burning to the south of the ACT's southern border.
Can I go and have a look?
No, you can't. Fire authorities have repeatedly warned people to stay away from firegrounds near the Namadgi National Park and Tharwa to avoid increasing traffic going into and out of the area, potentially putting people at risk.
ACT Policing moved on more than 50 people on Friday evening who had stopped on the side of the road in Canberra's southern suburbs to take photos of the bushfire.
ACT Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson said while the vast majority of the public had been respectful of roadblocks, a small number of "disaster tourists" had been trying to find sneaky ways around them to take photos.
Don't do that.
Will there be forced evacuations?
No one will be forced to evacuate from their homes under the state of emergency, but emergency authorities are urging residents to monitor the situation in case conditions change.
Where are the evacuation centres?
At present there is an evacuation centre set up at Erindale College, which is at 115 McBryde Crescent in Waniassa.
Emergency authorities have said two evacuation centres will be opened on the northside should the need arise.
What roads are closed?
There are multiple roads closed across the ACT due to the bushfires.
As of 2pm on Sunday, they include:
- The Monaro Highway between Michelago and Bredbo
- Cotter Road at Brindabella Road
- Point Hut Road at Jim Pike Ace
- Tharwa Drive at the Knoke Ave roundabout
- Angle Crossing at the Monaro Highway
- Boboyan Road at the ACT/NSW border
- Naas Road and Smiths Road at the intersection of Naas Road and Smiths Road.
Further road closures may come into effect at short notice.
Residents are being urged to keep an eye out for updates.
What if my home is past the roadblock?
Residents are being allowed past roadblocks.
Emergency authorities have warned people who don't need to be in south Tuggeranong to stay away.
What if people want to return after evacuating?
The ACT's chief police officer, Ray Johnson, said people would be permitted to return to their properties to defend them "up to a point".
If there are people who want to travel through roadblocks to assist family members in shoring up the safety of their properties, those calls will be made dependent on circumstances.
Emergency services have said the preservation of life is the priority.
Police have said it would be unlikely that people would be arrested for disobeying police orders on the roads.
However, "disaster tourists" have been warned to get away from the area as they would impact upon the vital work being done by emergency services.
What if I need to evacuate and I have pets?
Domestic animals are welcome at evacuation centres across the ACT.
Those with horses or livestock are able to go to Exhibition Park in Mitchell.
Those bringing horses also need to bring water and feed buckets, enough feed for 24 hours, medication and simple first aid.
Animals can't be left unattended.
What should I do now?
Monitor conditions to check for any updates on the fires.
Conditions can change rapidly.
Visit esa.gov.au for regular bushfire updates, listen to local radio and monitor local media for updates.
Emergency crews are urging residents to bring pets inside, locate important documents.
If you have a bushfire survival plan, notify friends and family of your plan.
Those storing cars in garages with an electric door have been urged to move cars outside and arrange alternative transport if you don't have access to a car.