Australian capital Canberra in state of emergency over bushfire threat

Canberra: Authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which includes Canberra, over a bushfire that is threatening to spread to the southern suburbs of the city.

The Orroral Valley fire has been raging south of the capital and has destroyed 18,000 hectares of land so far, reports Efe news.

This is the first time in 17 years that a state of emergency has been declared in the city of 400,000 inhabitants.

“The declaration of a state of emergency is the strongest signal we can send to the ACT community to prepare themselves, and their family, for the worst possible situation,” a statement by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“This fire will grow, and it may become unpredictable, and uncontrollable,” it added. The measure will remain in place “until the city is no longer at significant risk from this fire”. (IANS)

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