A state of emergency has been declared in the ACT amid worsening fire conditions.

The decision was made after the Orroral Valley fire was upgraded to a Watch and Act level.

The fire was reportedly sparked by the landing lights of a Defence Force helicopter, which created enough heat to set the grass on fire and is now burning out of control.

This is the first time a state of emergency has been declared in the ACT since the 2003 bushfires.

A total fire ban is currently in place.

National Political Editor Michael Pachi tells Deborah Knight windy conditions are causing concern.

“Even though things may not get that bad over the weekend… authorities were not prepared to take any chances.”

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