The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a hazard reduction burn in Bouddi National Park, tomorrow, Saturday 15 July.
The 9.8-hectare burn south-west of Mount Bouddi will reduce naturally accumulated fuel loads in the park to protect nearby residential areas in Bensville, MacMasters Beach and Killcare Heights.
The burn is scheduled to begin mid-morning on Saturday, with mop up and patrol continuing into the evening. Crews will remain on site until the burn is declared “out”.
Closures will be in place on North West Ridge and Turkey Track trails for the duration of the burn.
“Trails will be reopened once the area is deemed safe,” NPWS said.
Traffic control will be implemented on The Scenic Road, with the north bound lane closed during burning operations due to the smoke and to protect fire crews. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and drive to conditions.
“Smoke may be visible to residents in neighbouring suburbs,” NPWS said.
“People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.”
The service said that 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.
People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Planning and Environment.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.
More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government Hazards Near Me website and ap