The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct a hazard reduction burn at Belford National Park in the Hunter Region, Friday 9 October.
The 15-hectare burn aims to reduce fuel loads and safeguard nearby properties from damage this fire season.
NPWS has also selected this location to protect neighbouring properties on Kirkton Road Belford, and to maintain habitat for native species.
During the operation, NPWS will temporarily close Belford National Park. Adjacent roads, including the New England Highway and Kirkton Road will remain open, and hazard signs will be in place on Kirkton Road.
Based on current wind forecasts, NPWS expects smoke to blow away from these roads, however, motorists are advised to exercise caution.
There may be minor smoke impacts in Branxton and North Rothbury and residents within one kilometre of the burn have been notified by letterbox drop.
This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year and has been approved by the Hunter Valley Bushfire Management Committee.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 will be focussed on undertaking essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and protecting significant habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of the State’s wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.
Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, ‘Fires Near Me’ app, and on the NPWS Alerts website.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.
For up to date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.
