The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a hazard reduction burn in Werakata National Park, starting on Thursday 3 August, weather permitting.
The 83-hectare burn will encourage biodiversity by prompting regrowth and germination of key native plant species, and will also reduce bushfire risk to nearby properties, wildlife and cultural heritage.
With the support of the NSW Rural Fire Service, NPWS will take advantage of a small window of opportunity to conduct this burn following a number of wet years.
The burn area, Ferguson Street, Southams Road and Fishers Folly Road, will remain closed on Thursday and Friday to ensure public safety and allow for effective burning operations. These areas will be reopened once they are assessed as safe. The public are reminded not to enter closed areas.
Smoke may be visible to residents in Kitchener, Abernethy and Quorrobolong. People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.
Regular monitoring of weather and fireground conditions enables NPWS to adjust planning leading up to and immediately prior to commencement of every hazard reduction burn.
Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.
This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.
