The ACT has recorded almost as many total fire ban days so far this fire season than it did for the entirety of last year's season.
The ACT Emergency Services declared a total fire ban on Thursday until midnight, triggered by severe winds already hampering firefighting efforts at the North Black Range fire near Braidwood and on the South Coast.
All outside fires have been banned and slashing and agricultural services have been suspended.
It's the fourth total fire ban day so far this bushfire season.
ACT Rural Fire Service acting chief officer Rohan said the ACT normally has five fire bans throughout an entire bushfire season, which normally lasts between October and March.
"It's been a very high start to the season," Mr Scott said.
"It's quite unusual to have this many total fire bans at this time of year.
"For us [a total fire ban] is a preventative measure to stop activity that may provide an unnecessary ignition source."
Thursday's fire danger level in the ACT has been labelled as very high and severe westerly winds up to 80 kilometres per hour are forecast for Canberra.
Mr Scott said the strong winds would make controlling a fire extremely difficult if one started in Canberra.
"It's been incredibly dry, all fuel is available for the fire," Mr Scott said.
"You've got heavy fuel like trees and logs and fine fuels like twigs and leaves and everything is fully available to be consumed by fire if there was one."
Fire crews have been stationed around the ACT to monitor conditions throughout the day in the event of the fire.
READ MORE:
-
In pictures: South Coast bushfire
-
Bawley Point firefighter says South Coast bushfires are 'like a living creature'
- South Coast firefighters battling the Currowan bushfire prepare for Thursday's dangerous conditions
- Thursday winds mean North Black Range fire could escape containment lines
-
Despite fire on all sides, Bawley Point resident stays to protect home
The ACT has sent 21 firefighters to help fight the North Black Range fire, which has threatened homes in remote communities near Braidwood.
The fire has been burning for more than a week and has already destroyed more than 27,000 hectares.
Fire activity is expected to increase later in the day on Thursday.
"The winds have been very erratic and terrain driven, particularly near the Braidwood fire, hence why we've declared a total fire ban," Mr Scott said.
The acting chief officer said further total fire bans could be on the cards for next week.
Temperatures on Monday and Tuesday are expected to reach into the mid 30s.
"The long term forecast has a prediction that indicated we could have some days that border on a total fire ban," Mr Scott said.
"We won't know for sure until about two or three days out."
