State Of Emergency Declared In Australian Capital Of Canberra

Jan 31, 2020 by apost team

Canberra and surrounding townships in Australia that make up the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) are officially under a state of emergency as of Friday morning while wildfires rage on.

It is the first time since 2003 that a state of emergency has been declared in the area, according to ABC. The fires are approaching homes in the rural areas of the ACT as they burn out of control in the nearby Namadgi National Park. According to the BBC, the blaze is burning 45,700 acres (18,599 hectares). 

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The ACT's Chief Minister Andrew Barr tweeted the announcement today "Given the severe fire conditions today and tomorrow," and continued on to note that lives and property are threatened from this Orroral Valley Fire. Additionally, he told the press that "There's now no higher priority for the ACT government at this time than the bushfire threat."

The Chief Minister explained that the state of emergency would be in place for as long as there was a risk to Canberra. The declaration gives authorities extra power and resources for bushfire aid which is urgent and necessary as temperatures climb and strong winds develop.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service posted fire prediction maps for Saturday and warned that fires may spread and embers may be experienced.

Please send your good thoughts to the people of the ACT as they brace for the future. Let others know about their situation.