Hazard reduction burn in Arakwal National Park

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in Arakwal National Park on Friday 9 October 2020.

The 1.3-hectare burn will reduce bushfire risk for residents and businesses neighbouring the national park between Ironbark Ave and Scott Street in Byron Bay.

Access to the park via Ironbark Track and Scott Track will be closed to the public for the duration of the burn.

Smoke may be visible in the South Byron area and from Tallow Beach.

Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows to avoid smoke, remove washing from clotheslines and ensure any pets have a protected area. Motorists are also reminded to use caution and drive to conditions.

The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and to protect significant areas of habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.

Undertaking burns when conditions are right to ensure they are safe and effective is an important part of managing the potential risk of bushfire to communities and the environment.

All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) 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 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.