ACT: Fires threaten Govt House, force evacuations in suburbs
Copyright 2001 AAP NEWSFEED
December 24, 2001, Monday
CANBERRA, Dec 24 - Homes were evacuated and Government House was under threat by a raging bushfire sweeping across Canberra's southern suburbs today.
The suburbs of Curtin, Yarralumla, Holder and Duffy were most affected by the fire, which started in the Stromlo Forest and was being fanned by winds up to 60kph.
Homes were evacuated in North Curtin and Yarralumla this afternoon and there were reports of spot fires in inner suburban Red Hill.
Senior Sergeant Greg Amos from the Australian Federal Police said main roads linking the capital's southern suburbs with the city had also been closed.
The main arterial road to Canberra's southern suburbs, Adelaide Avenue, was also closed to southbound traffic, he said.
The Tuggeranong Parkway was closed both ways between Cotter Road and the Glenrock Interchange.
Roads were also closed at Coppins Crossing and the Royal Canberra Golf Course had been cleared of play.
Governor-General Peter Hollingworth and his family were safe inside Government House, but firefighters surrounded the residence as the fire burned perilously close.
Dr Hollingworth, his wife, three daughters, four grandchildren and other relatives were in good spirits but the bushfire was close to Government House, his personal secretary Martin Bonsey said.
"There is this very large bush area and it's looking very close to our south-western corner," Mr Bonsey told AAP.
"And the wind's not blowing in the right direction."
Fire crews are in Government House grounds and the road into the property is closed, with fears the fire could spread to pine trees on its western edge.
"Other than that, we'll be watching it in confidence that the emergency services will keep us nice and secure," Mr Bonsey said.
"And if worst comes to worst, we'll hop in the lake."
Hollingworth family members who were on their way to Government House for Christmas when the bushfire was sparked were stranded because of road closures.
ACT Emergency Services Bureau spokesman David Foot said 36 ACT bushfire and fire brigade units were deployed to the fire front.
They were being supported by ambulance and Australian Federal Police units as well as aircraft.
"Householders can certainly help us out at the moment," Mr Foot said.
"Our advice to anyone in the affected areas at this stage is that if they have a hose available, is just to wet down their back fences and their guttering, their roofs.
"Family pets should be kept indoors and locked away somewhere because they become quite petrified in situations like this."