High winds and above average temperatures have prompted the ACT's first total fire ban of the season today, the earliest in recent memory.

Only three days into the bushfire season, the Emergency Services Agency is worried about the potential for disaster with a forecast maximum of 26 degrees and gale-force, NW winds expected.  Agency spokesman Darren Cutrupi said residents needed to be vigilant given the warm and windy start to October.  "Certainly, to have a total fire ban applied within 24 to 48 hours of the start of a season is highly unusual."

Worrying new figures issued yesterday show Canberra has had only 349mm this year, with just 15mm falling at Canberra AP in September (14.5mm here in Gungahlin).  The long-term average annual rainfall in Canberra is 623mm..