The Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) conducts a number of prescribed burns each year in and around urban and rural areas across Canberra and Googong Foreshore (NSW) to prepare for the upcoming fire season.
The overall responsibility for the suppression of bushfires in the ACT lies with the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), primarily with the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACT RFS). For information on the status of bushfires and emergencies in the ACT please refer to the ESA website and ESA Incidents Map which outlines both planned and unplanned fires and other emergencies in the ACT.
The Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) implements an extensive ongoing bushfire fuel management program throughout the year in accordance with the annual Bushfire Operations Plan (BOP).
The ACT Emergency Services Agency declares a Total Fire Ban when necessary to prevent the outbreak or spread of fires.
As a land manager in both the ACT and NSW (Googong Foreshores), the Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) has a legal responsibility which includes managing bushfire fuels on its land and limiting the spread of fire on and from its lands.
On 27 January 2020, the Orroral Valley fire swept through Namadgi burning about 80% of Namadgi National Park, 22% of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, and 3350 hectares of rural lands. The findings from the study are helping to shape the ACT's steps on a journey to recovery in Namadgi and Tidbinbilla.
The ACT Government is helping our natural and cultural landscape to recover following the 2020 bushfires and floods.
Information to help you stay safe and well if there is bushfire smoke in your area.
PCS Fire Management is based on comprehensive policy and planning frameworks from the National to the agency level.
Videos
See our staff in action carrying out fuel management including prescribed burns, incident management, training, helipad maintenance and fire trail maintenance.
ACT Parks and Conservation runs a prescribed burn program each year to reduce possible bushfire fuel loads. Find out more in this short video.