National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is planning a hazard reduction burn for Heathcote National Park north of Waterfall Saturday 10 October.
NPWS Area Manager Brendon Neilly said the 105 hectares burn adjacent to the Princes Highway in the Park is occurring this week to take advantage of suitable weather.
“This burn will help protect the communities of Waterfall and Heathcote and will further reduce the risk of wildfire spreading into the adjacent Royal National Park,” Mr Neilly said.
“The burn is due to begin at about 10am and motorists along the Princes Highway are reminded to beware of potential smoke hazard and drive to conditions.
“Traffic control will be active on the Princes Highway north bound just north of Waterfall.
“Public access to Heathcote National Park within the Abaroo – Sebastopol area including associated walk tracks will be closed during the burning operations.
“Smoke from the burn program may be visible in the Park and may be evident in local communities depending on wind direction.
“People with asthma or those who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors,” Mr Neilly said.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns to protect park neighbours, assets or significant habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of the wildlife impacted by the summer bushfires.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW 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.
All hazard reduction burns over 50 hectares will be assessed by the NSW RFS in conjunction with NSW Health as required to ensure smoke impacts are minimised.
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.
