The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning hazard reduction burns in the Royal National Park, from Sunday 28 April 2019, weather permitting.
NPWS Area Manager, Shaun Elwood, said there are to be a 158-ha burn is in the East Heathcote area of the park and a 320 ha burn in the Loftus Heights. Farnell Avenue and Audley areas of NSW oldest national park.
"These burns will help protect the Park and to limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties," Mr Elwood said.
"They are due to begin at about 10 am and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe and warning signs or directions from fire crews.
"Public access to the following areas at East Heathcote will be closed during the burning operations: Engadine Lakes Trail, Goarra Ridge Trail, Engadine Track, Parklands Loop Trail, Bottle Forest Trail, East Heathcote perimeter Trail, Karloo Pools Walking Track, and Uloola Walking Track, Fire Trail and Uloola Falls camping area".
"At Audley public access, including walkers and mountain bike riders, will be closed including Loftus Trig and Engadine Lakes Trails, Bridal Path and Robertson's Roundabout Loop Track.
"Smoke from the burns may be visible in the northern areas of the park, including East Heathcote, Heathcote, Engadine, Waterfall, Yarrawarrah, Loftus, Grays Point Sutherland, and Audley areas, for a number of days depending on temperature, wind and humidity".
"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. For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation."
The burns are some of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW and other agencies that may manage assets within or adjacent to a burn.
The burns are part of the Government's six-year $76 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in NSW national parks, where conditions allow.
More information on hazard reduction activities visit the Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Service "Fires near me" App.
