Canberra Airport closed as fire services use airfield to fight “out of control” bushfire

Canberra Airport closed as fire services use airfield to fight “out of control” bushfire

An emergency fire warning has been issued for a fire burning near Canberra Airport.

Emergency services are currently battling a fire approaching Beard, Oaks Estate and West Queanbeyan in the Australian capital city. Residents have been advised to take shelter, as it is now too late to leave the area.

Speaking to Travel Weekly, a spokesperson for Canberra Airport said the airport’s airfield is being used by aviation fire services to facilitate aerial firefighting efforts.

As a result, there are no current departures or arrivals at the airport.

Moreover, video from the Brindabella Business Park, which was reportedly threatened by the Pialligo fire before it merged with the Pallaroo fire and became the Beard fire, shows thick blankets of smoke and winds ripping through trees. The business park is two kilometres from Canberra Airport.

“The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path. People in these suburbs are in danger and need to seek immediate shelter as the fire approaches,” the ACT emergency services agency said.

Firefighters are currently on scene to battle the currently out of control blaze, the agency said. However, under current conditions, the fire is difficult to control.

The fire started on Wednesday, but strong winds and high temperatures caused the situation to deteriorate. A total fire ban has now been declared for the Australian Capital Territory.

 

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