Today, 1 October 2025, marks the beginning of the bushfire season in the ACT.
To keep our community safe and informed the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) will implement three things throughout bushfire season. Fire Danger Rating Signs, mandatory fire permits and total fire bans (TOBANS).
- Fire permits: With the start of bushfire season, all urban and rural ACT residents must obtain a fire permit for any open-air burning. These permits help keep the community safe by ensuring the ACTRFS is aware of planned burns, and we can then inform the public and avoid unnecessary emergency calls.
- TOBANs: On days of elevated fire danger, increased fire activity, or when weather conditions are likely to increase the spread of fire, the ESA may declare a TOBAN for all, or part of the ACT. It is essential for residents to understand that during a TOBAN, high-risk activities such as operating certain machinery and open fires are prohibited, and all previously issued fire permits are suspended. Compliance with these bans is essential to safeguard lives and property during periods of heightened fire danger.
- Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS): The community may also start to see AFDRS signs. These signs are displayed electronically on major arterial roads and give you an indication of the consequences of a fire, if one were to start. The fire danger rating is also updated daily on the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) website throughout the season. Residents should use this information to inform their survival plans.
The launch of the bushfire season coincides with the launch of version 5 of the ACT's Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP).
The updated SBMP sets the direction for bushfire management across the ACT, with a vision to build a resilient and adaptive ACT community and natural environment through proactive and collaborative bushfire management.
To learn more about bushfire season and the SBMP visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, is pleased to launch Version 5 of the Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP), and is calling on the Canberra community to play an active role in bushfire preparedness.
"The release of Version 5 of the SBMP marks a significant milestone for bushfire resilience in the ACT. Many of the strategies and lessons from previous plans have now become embedded in everyday operations across government and the community. This latest iteration builds on those foundations, strengthening our approach to bushfire protection and ensuring we remain adaptive and forward-thinking.
"Although our crews are prepared if a bushfire were to occur, they cannot do this alone. Every household has a role to play in reducing risk. Simple actions like cleaning gutters, trimming vegetation, and clearing debris from yards can make a real difference. Bushfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. We are better prepared when Canberra prepares together."
Quotes attributable to ACTRFS Chief Officer, Rohan Scott
"This bushfire season, the ACTRFS is prioritising community education around ember attacks, one of the leading causes of homes being lost during bushfires. Even if a fire isn't burning directly near you, embers can travel significant distances and pose a serious threat. That's why it's critical to take action early and activate your survival plan if embers are present.
"The latest SBMP offers clear guidance on preparing for ember attacks, with a strong emphasis on community safety, ecological sustainability and resilience in the face of a changing climate. It draws on the latest science, policy and operational experience - and sets out how we will work together to reduce bushfire risk and protect what matters most."
Quotes attributable to ACTP&CS Executive Branch Manager, Michaela Watts
"We love seeing Canberrans out enjoying our parks and reserves and we're so fortunate we live close to these beautiful nature reserves and waterways. However, it's important to remember these are natural spaces which can be unpredictable, and warmer weather carries increased risks. If you are visiting our parks and reserves, please plan ahead and stay safe in and around the bush by checking and following advice on the parks.act.gov.au website.
"The SBMP is the ACT wide plan for managing bushfire risk in the ACT, which underpins and is further supported by the Regional Fire Management Plan and the Bushfire Operations Plan developed by Parks and Conservation in the City and Environment Directorate. These plans guide our operations, priorities and set key objectives to balance fuel management to protect life property and the environment with all the other values in the natural estate."
