The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) North Coast is conducting 2 hazard reduction burns in Bellingen and Nambucca Shires, starting on Monday.
NPWS Acting Team Leader Rangers Andrew Pitzen says the burns are being undertaken to reduce fuel loads.
“We are taking advantage of predicted favourable weather to undertake these burns which may be highly visible,” Mr Pitzen says.
“The 1,500-hectare burn on Monday in New England National Park is centred in a remote area and is targeting dry eucalypt ridges to reduce fuels in the park in the upper Thora Valley.
“On Tuesday, a high elevation small hazard reduction in Yarriabini National Park will be visible from Pacific Highway.
“This burn will protect tower infrastructure that is used for emergency service radio communications.
“These burns are among the many that we are working hard to carry out in national parks across the region during winter.
“While they are being scheduled now due to the favourable predictions for weather and wind, if you are vulnerable to smoke, we encourage you to stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to reduce any possible exposure.
“The New England National Park burn may see smoke in the Bellingen Valley from Thora to Bellingen, while the Yaariabini National Park burn may see some smoke settle around Scotts Head and Eungai areas and the Pacific Highway on Tuesday evening. This smoke may settle overnight for a number of days.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
