NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will undertake a hazard reduction burn in Medowie State Conservation Area on Sunday 6 September, weather permitting.
The Medowie South Hazard Reduction burn takes place in bushland next to Sassin Crescent and Dangar Circuit, NPWS Acting Director Hunter Central Coast Douglas Beckers said.
“Our NPWS crews from the Hunter Coast area will be supported by local Rural Fire Service brigades to create a controlled burn across just over 19 hectares of Medowie State Conservation Area,” Mr Beckers said.
“The burn is expected to take 2 days, however, the area behind Coachwood Drive, Dangar Circuit and Sassin Crescent will remain closed until Thursday for post-fire safety checks.
“Depending on the wind, smoke may affect some of the surrounding residential areas and roads.
“If you are vulnerable to smoke, we encourage you to stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to reduce exposure,” he said.
Smoke may be across a wide area for several days, and people are reminded to exercise caution and drive to conditions when using roads in the area.
For safety, people must keep well clear of the burn area and avoid sightseeing which can hinder fire crew operations.
“We cannot stress enough to people – do not enter the fire ground until the safety alert is removed from the web site.”
For Park Alerts go to the NPWS alerts page and simply scroll down, write ‘Medowie’ in the ‘Keyword’ field, hit ‘Search’ and then click on ‘Closed areas’.
Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect the parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.
All burns across New South Wales will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website website or the Asthma Foundation.
