Severe fire danger for ACT

A severe fire danger warning has been issued for the ACT prompting authorities to also impose a total fire ban.

If fires ignite uncontrollable flames higher than rooftops could move rapidly and embers could be blown about, causing spot fires up to 4km ahead of the fire front, the ACT Emergency Services Agency said.

It said there was a chance people in the path of any fire could be injured or die and some homes may be destroyed.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast northwest winds and a maximum temperature of 37C, prompting the ban and forcing the closure of several nature reserves and roads.

Total fire bans have also been issued for eight areas across southern NSW.

Further information can be found on the ACT Emergency Services Agency website www.esa.act.gov.au or by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.