The ACT's prescribed burn program for 2026 commences today, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, with two prescribed hazard reduction burns on McQuoids Hill in Kambah and Mount Taylor.
The ACT Government undertakes an annual prescribed burn program which enhances the ecological and cultural values our local environment, while reducing the risk of bushfires and helping keep Canberrans safe.
See the location map of the burn sites for current and future planned burns.
Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation Service fire managers will manage and deliver the prescribed burns. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.
All safety precautions will be in place throughout the duration of the program. This includes preparing
containment lines, installing clear signage and undertaking pre‑operation patrols to ensure no members of the public are in the burn area.
Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be visible. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.
Extensive planning and on-ground fire management occurs to protect sensitive ecological values within burn areas and contain operations.
Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT's annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe.
Cultural burns are also being planned which provides the opportunity for traditional owners to lead, share, and pass on cultural fire knowledge while achieving the program's ecological or hazard reduction goals.
