ACT Fire & Rescue is currently on scene at the Russell Offices, Russell Drive, Russell.
Crews were called to the scene at 3.13pm following an automatic fire alarm.
Building R1 was filled with an acrid smell from food stuff in the microwave, and as a precaution approximately 1000 people were evacuated.
Fire & Rescue is ventilating the building and the Specialist Hazardous Materials Unit (HAZMAT) is preparing to enter to conduct atmospheric monitoring.
HAZMAT is joined by one pumper, a Commander and the Breathing Apparatus van.
Update to follow.
4:07 PM
Crews have left the scene.
All floors have been tested and everyone who was evacuated has been allowed back inside.
4:33 PM
Who can be trusted?
In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.
If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.
Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.
Thank you,
Ian Meikle, editor
Leave a Reply