A bushfire burning across more than 2500-hectares in Canberra’s Namadgi National Park is at “watch and act” level with people nearby told to consult their bushfire plans.
Emergency services on Tuesday morning said the fire was about nine kilometres south west of Tharwa village and 15 kilometres from Banks.
Residents in those areas have been warned they could be affected by the fire.
Emergency services have been battling the fire overnight, with 19 firefighting units, six helicopters and a large air tanker battling the out-of-control fire in Orroral Valley.
There are also fears for the site – now only concrete remains – of the former Honeysuckle Creek tracking station, which in July 1969 captured the footage of the first moon landing.
Landholders and residents were told to activate their bushfire plans, with the Exhibition Park showground in Canberra being opened for horses.
Firefighters were expecting a challenging seven to 10 days, as a heatwave bears down on the nation’s capital.
Authorities warned the situation could get worse with hot and slightly windy conditions fanning the blaze.
Spot fires broke out five kilometres east from the main fire as the larger blaze heads southeast.
Canberrans have woken to smoke haze on Tuesday morning after it reached the capital late on Monday night.
Defence and State Emergency Services personnel were doorknocking areas near the fire to warn residents.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency has declared a total fire ban until midnight on Friday.
