Firefighters will use a break in the weather for a backburn to control the spread of Canberra's most serious bushfire since the 2003 disaster.
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The 10,000-hectare fire was downgraded to "advice" level on Wednesday afternoon after burning at "emergency" level on Tuesday night.
ACT Emergency Services Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said it was hoped the backburn would slow the fire and "get it in a place of our choosing".
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution to a fire such as this," Ms Whelan told reporters in Canberra.
Authorities have warned it is the most serious blaze the capital has faced since the deadly 2003 bushfires, which destroyed almost 500 homes and led to four deaths.
The fire is believed to have been started by a defence helicopter's landing light after it landed in Namadgi National Park while on reconnaissance.
Defence's bushfire operations head Major General Jake Ellwood told reporters on Wednesday the incident was "absolutely regretful".
He said it started and engulfed the troop carrier within 12 seconds. The helicopter was damaged as a result but no crew members were harmed.
Maj Gen Ellwood said defence would be investigating the fire but said they had ceased using that type of landing light.
Ms Whelan also hit out at people travelling to the fire area to take photos, warning it could hamper firefighting and evacuation efforts.
"Say no to disaster tourism. It's a disgrace," Ms Whelan said.
Tuesday saw Tharwa, a small village south of Canberra, evacuated as authorities feared spot fires would come within a kilometre of Canberra's far southern suburbs.
Community members of Tharwa, Boboyan Road, Apollo Road and Top Naas Road were told to remain vigilant.
People in Banks and surrounding suburbs were told to stay updated and reminded a relief centre at Erindale College was still open to the public
Ms Whelan said the fire was still out of control and unpredictable, burning for days if not weeks. The fire continued to travel northeast with spot fires starting ahead of the main front.
She warned of extremely challenging weather predicted for the weekend.
Smoke from the fire hung over Canberra on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
