ACT ESA

Volunteer Kate can map bushfires in real time and often helps the AFP search for missing persons. It's National Volunteer Week and today we’re recognising ESA’s Mapping and Planning Support Group - geospatial specialists who step up behind the scenes to support our frontline operators.

The ACT Ambulance Service is rolling out new mechanical CPR devices to help treat people suffering cardiac arrests. The devices help give steady, effective chest compressions, and support paramedics during long or difficult resuscitations, including on the way to hospital. Paramedics have been trained to use the devices safely, working closely with @ACT_CHS and ACT Fire & Rescue. The new capability can help when manual CPR is hard to perform, but paramedics remain in full control of patient care and clinical decisions.

It’s National Volunteer Week - a chance to recognise the important roles volunteers play in strengthening the Canberra community! This year’s theme is: ‘Your year to volunteer’, if you’ve ever considered volunteering, there’s never been a better time to step up. Here at the ESA, we thank our dedicated volunteers from the ACT Rural Fire Service, the ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue Community Fire Units, and the ESA Mapping and Planning Support Group, for their ongoing commitment and service. Our volunteers’ contributions make a meaningful difference every day, helping to build a safer, more connected, more prepared and more resilient ACT.

Structure fire - Belconnen ACT Fire & Rescue are in attendance an at incident on Osborne Place in Belconnen. While the fire has been contained, there may be light smoke in the area. esa.act.gov.au/node/6536

Applications are open to join the ACT Ambulance Service. We’re seeking experienced Ambulance Paramedics, and Intensive Care Paramedics. As part of ACT Ambulance Service, you’ll work with highly skilled colleagues, access ongoing development and make a real impact in one of Australia’s most liveable cities. The ACT Ambulance Service welcomes all levels of experienced paramedics to apply. Find out more and apply on the link - esa.act.gov.au/join-us/career… 📆 Applications close 5 June 2026.

Next Wednesday (📆 20 May) is Wear Orange Wednesday  - a national day of appreciation for the State Emergency Service. It’s all about putting the spotlight on volunteers who selflessly give to their community. Get involved on the day by dressing in orange, hosting a morning tea, or sharing your gratitude. #ThankYouSES #WOWDay

Motor Vehicle Incident - Oaks Estate There's been a motor vehicle incident on Railway Street near the intersection of Hill Street in Oaks Estate. Railway Street is currently closed in both directions. Avoid the area. esa.act.gov.au/node/6535

Firefighters from ACT Fire & Rescue and paramedics from the ACT Ambulance Service recently worked side-by-side in a large‑scale night training exercise, which simulated a serious bus crash with multiple casualties. Personnel from @Transport_CBR also participated, heightening the realness of the confronting simulation. The complex scenario tested teamwork, communication, incident control and inter‑agency coordination, under challenging low‑light conditions.

Did you know that that there are Territory Radio Network (TRN) antennas installed on Telstra Tower? The antennas enable critical two-way radio communication for emergency services, public transport and other government services. Recently, the ESA Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) team conducted an aerial survey of the antennas and cables. This data is used to assess the condition of the systems and their electrical configuration, used to inform maintenance and future requirements. The use of RPAS (drones) provided a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional abseiling methods traditionally used in the past.

Motor Vehicle Incident - Canberra Avenue There's been a motor vehicle incident near the intersection of Canberra Avenue and Dominion Circuit in Forrest. esa.act.gov.au/node/6533

@AFACnews held the 2026 National Memorial Service last week to commemorate emergency services personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty. The medallions were presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and AFAC President, Darren Klemm AFSM. Families of the 20 fire and emergency personnel honoured at this year’s service were presented with AFAC Memorial Medallions, and 34 names will be engraved on the Memorial Wall. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by emergency services personnel and stands as a testament to their dedication to keeping communities safe. A recording of the ceremony is available on the AFAC YouTube channel: @afacnews7907" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@afacnews7907

Motor Vehicle Incident - Tuggeranong Parkway There's been a motor vehicle incident on the Tuggeranong Parkway, near the Glenloch Interchange. Northbound lanes on the Tuggeranong Parkway are currently closed, with one lane remaining... esa.act.gov.au/node/6532

Did you see the pile burn on Springbank Island last weekend? 🔥🌿 The operation, by the ACT Rural Fire Service with support from the ACT & NSW State Emergency Services and National Capital Authority, helped reduce bushfire risk and support restoration works on the island. With access only possible over water, controlled burning was the safest and most practical way to manage the large volume of dead vegetation left behind from recent land management works. 🚤

With the 2025–26 bushfire and storm seasons now over, it’s a time to reflect on the people and efforts that kept our community safe. From lightning-sparked fires in Namadgi National Park to intense storms across Canberra, it was a season that tested our capability and reinforced the importance of preparedness. Crews responded to 36 fires and 700+ storm requests, with 160+ personnel deploying interstate to support other communities. To our emergency services personnel, volunteers, and those who support them - thank you. While the seasons have ended, the risk of emergencies has not. Be ready year-round: 👉 esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-r…

The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) has welcomed seven new emergency call takers, who are preparing to be the voices Canberrans hear when they dial Triple-Zero (000) for an ambulance. Serving a key function within ACTAS, call takers collect critical information, provide lifesaving advice to patients before paramedics arrive on scene, and help their colleagues coordinate job resourcing.

Each year, to coincide with St Florian’s Day (International Firefighters’ Day), the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony recognises the service and sacrifice of an ancestor of a member of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA). This year’s ceremony honoured Private Owen McFadzen, who is listed on the Memorial’s Roll of Honour and was the uncle of Wayne Dalton, Senior Director of the ESA Communications Centre.

The Emergency Services Blood Drive has officially begun for 2026! This annual campaign sees members of the ACT Emergency Services Agency, ACT Policing and ACT Corrections donating blood or the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood throughout winter. This friendly rivalry will have members of our agencies and services rolling up their sleeves until the end of July.

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we recognise and thank the dedicated firefighters who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Did you know that within the ACT Emergency Services Agency, three distinct firefighting services work together to protect Canberra? ACT Fire & Rescue 🧑‍🚒 Provides rapid-response urban firefighting 🔥 Responds to motor vehicle incidents, structure fires, and hazardous material emergencies, among others 🤝 Conducts fire hazard inspections, investigations, and alarm responses ACT Rural Fire Service 🔥 Responds to grass and bushfires across the ACT 🚒 Supported by more than 500 volunteers across eight brigades, alongside firefighters from ACT Parks and Conservation Service 👍 Leads bushfire prevention efforts, including hazard reduction burns and community risk management Community Fire Units 👨‍🚒 Volunteer teams made up of local residents who live on the fringes of bushland areas 💦 Help protect homes during bushfire emergencies by preventing fire spread 🤝 Support community education on bushfire preparedness and safety Together, these services play a vital role in protecting lives, property, and the environment. We thank all our firefighters - career and volunteer - for their commitment, courage and service.

Rubbish Fire - Mitchell A cardboard fire was burning on Baillieu Circuit in Mitchell. The fire is under control and there is no threat to the community. There is still smoke is present in the area. Avoid the area. esa.act.gov.au/node/6531

Behind the scenes in the ACT Ambulance Service Communications Centre, a highly skilled team work together to get patients the help they need. Call Taker: The voice on the other end of the phone. The role of the call taker is to gather details about the emergency and provide emergency advice. Clinician: A qualified paramedic, the clinician can assist in determining the priority of calls and provide advanced clinical guidance before paramedics arrive on scene. Dispatcher: Responsible for sending crews to emergencies. The dispatcher ensures the closest, most appropriate resource is sent to each call for help. ComCen Coordinator: Coordinates the team and looks after staff welfare. Together they’re keeping the Canberra community safe.