State of emergency imposed in Canberra amid bushfires

A state of emergency has been declared in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as bushfire emerges again in the South of Canberra.

Authorities say that it is the worst fire hazard to the area in nearly two decades.

Residents have been directed to remain alert for immediate actions.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr informed the local news, “The ACT is now facing the worst bushfire threat since the devastating fires of 2003,”

“There’s now no higher priority for the ACT government at this time than the bushfire threat.”

Note that the area located between Sydney and Melbourne accommodates around 400,000 residents.

Bushfire near the Australian capital Canberra forced the city´s airport to close last week.

Bushfire results in passenger flights halted to make way for aircraft working to extinguish the blazes, authorities said.

High temperatures and strong winds fuelled an outbreak of new blazes across several areas in eastern Australia on Thursday.

It ended a period of respite following several days of rains and cooler weather.

The country has been battling an unprecedented wave of wildfires since September that have devastated communities and wildlife.

Flights to and from Australia´s capital suspended around midday Thursday “to allow for aviation firefighting operations”, a Canberra Airport spokesperson said.

It was unclear how long services would be impacted but the terminal has not been evacuated, she said.

The Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency said the airport had closed due to current conditions.