Ideal conditions over the next 10 days are allowing fire authorities to undertake important hazard reduction work across the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury areas.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with assistance from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and Fire and Rescue NSW, is undertaking a series of hazard reduction burns in Blue Mountains National Park expected to run through to next week.
Burns are planned at:
- Govetts Brook - Blackheath
- Somme Ave - Wentworth Falls
- Aeroplane Hills and Mount Bedford - South of the Great western Highway between Woodford and Wentworth Falls
- Burralow West - west of Bowen Mountain and Kurrajong Heights
- Devils Hole - Bowen Mountain and Kurrajong Heights
These low to moderate intensity burns will help reduce the spread of bushfires, improve protection of neighbours and communities, provide for safer firefighter access while protecting biodiversity.
The favourable autumn weather conditions provide a critical opportunity for fuel reduction burning.
Public access to burn areas will be closed during the operations and re-opened once access is safe.
NPWS along with neighbours and other agencies, including the RFS has numerous prescribed burns, planned across NSW, which will be undertaken as conditions allow.
Drivers are advised to take care as smoke may impact nearby areas and roads. People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors, close windows and doors and follow their health plan.
Roads and trails will be reopened once the areas are assessed as safe. Visitors must check NPWS Alerts for up -to-date information on closures.
Smoke will be visible from across the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury.
If you are vulnerable to smoke, try to stay indoors, keeping doors and windows closed to reduce your exposure.
