The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) intends to start hazard reduction burning in the Morton National Park this week, weather permitting.
NPWS Illawarra Highlands Area Manager, Graham Bush, said the burns would cover 1200 hectares of the Brookes Plateau, west of Kangaroo Valley along Tallowa Dam road tomorrow and 640 hectares at Sandy Creek, south of Bundanoon and west of Moss Vale later this week.
“These burns are conducted to reduce the potential risk from wildfire including to surrounding properties,” Mr. Bush said.
“The burns are scheduled to start at 10am and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe any warning signs or directions from fire crews.
“Although the Tallowa Dam road will remain open, public access to the affected areas within Morton National Park will be closed during the burning operations including camping and hiking along the south edge of Lake Yarrunga.
“Significant smoke from the burn program may be visible in Bundanoon, Moss Vale, Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley over a number of days.”
“We thank our neighbours for their understanding. People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.”
These burns mark the beginning of the autumn hazard reduction program and are among many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, often assisted by 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.
