Fed: Fire threatening to spread near Government House

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2001
Fed: Fire threatening to spread near Government House

CANBERRA, Dec 24 AAP - Governor-General Peter Hollingworth and his family are safe
inside Government House in Canberra but may be evacuated as a bushfire was today perilously
close to the residence.

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 today.

"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 the property's 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.

"There are still some relatives still arriving who aren't able to turn up because the
road's blocked off," Mr Bonsey said.

"There are obviously quite a number of staff, both household staff and also the hardworking
office staff, who haven't had the usual sort of early afternoon off on Christmas eve,"

he said.

AAP lm/daw/apm/de

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES ACT HOLLINGWORTH

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