Finbar O'MallonVerified account

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says 6000 hectare fire south of Canberra is the "most serious" the capital has faced since deadly 2003 bushfire.

Barr: Fire could spot ahead of blaze including about a kilometre out from the far southern Canberra suburb of Banks.

ACT Emergency Services Commissioner Georgeina Whelan says there is no immediate threat to Canberra but repeats spot fires may become a k' within Banks over the next couple of hours.

Whelan: Fire is not contained and will burn for several weeks. Is expected to grow to 7000ha within next couple of hours. Weather conditions are making it difficult to fight. ACT police to coordinate door knocks in suburbs around Banks.

Whelan: ACT experiencing hot, dry weather with "enormous fuel loading". Repeats warning to people in areas of Apollo Rd, Top Naas Rd, Boboyon Rd and Tharwa to seek shelter immediately.

Whelan: All off duty ACT Fire and Rescue staff have been recalled. All available ACT Rural Fire Service volunteers have been recalled. 27 vehicles, 5 choppers, 3 small planes, 2 large air tankers, 1 very large air tanker fighting fire. Defence deployed to help.

Whelan: Only call 000 in life threatening emergency or to report new fire. NSW residents should watch NSW Fires Near Me app / website. Fire spotting to north, north-east and east of fire. Blaze will enter NSW.

Whelan: Tells all Canberrans if you don't have a bushfire survival plan, download one via ACT ESA now. If you can't go into finer details, make general plan.