National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn for the Garawarra State Conservation Area (SCA) on 17 April, weather permitting.
NPWS Acting Area Manager Adrian Johnstone said the 137 hectare burn in the Helensburgh area of the SCA was originally planned late last month, but was postponed due to the weather.
“This burn will help protect the SCA and reduces the risk of wildfire to surrounding properties,” Mr Johnstone said.
“The burn is due to begin at about 10am and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe all warning signs or directions from fire crews,” he said.
“Public access to these areas will be closed during the burning operations including Cawley Road trail, Wilsons Ridge trail, Wilsons Creek dam trail, Fletcher St fire trail and Flat Rock fire trail.
“Smoke from the burn program may be visible in the SCA, including Helensburgh, Otford, Darkes Forest, and Waterfall areas, depending on wind direction for up to a week.
“We thank our neighbours for their understanding.
“People with asthma or those who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors”, Mr Johnstone said.
This burn is one of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service, and Fire and Rescue NSW.
This hazard reduction burn is part of the NSW Government’s $76 million package over 6 years to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State’s national parks, where conditions allow.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.
More information on hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Service ‘Fires near me’ App.
