The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) successfully completed a small, but critical hazard reduction burn in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area last week.
NPWS Central Coast Area Manager Steve Atkins said the 1.6 hectare controlled burn was a success, with fuel loads around the Chain Valley Bay community and Lakeside lifestyle community significantly reduced to protect residents from future bushfires.
"It was a real team effort, with 12 NPWS staff working across the burn area, which spanned both Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area and neighbouring private property," said Mr Atkins.
"We were able to reduce the amount of dry 'fuel' in the area – things like shrubs, bark, dry leaves and twigs – to a very low level, which will bode well for keeping these communities safe in future summer seasons.
"We'd really like to thank the residents close to this burn for their understanding and support last week while we undertook this small, but important burn and subsequent mop-up operations.
"By their nature, hazard reduction burns produce smoke, but we planned the operation carefully based on the weather and wind forecast, and closely monitored conditions throughout the day to ensure there were minimal smoke impacts on the local community," said Mr Atkins.
This burn is one of a number of hazard reduction operations being undertaken by NPWS on the Central Coast ahead of this summer.
For up to date information on planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service website: NSW Rural Fire Service
Hazard reductions are an essential activity under the current Public Health Orders and will be conducted in a COVID-19 safe manner to ensure the safety of fire crews and the community.
COVID-19 safety briefings are provided to all staff who are required to wear masks along with their normal fire personal protective equipment. Contact tracing is also enabled via the QR code sign-in all fire crews must complete when starting.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia.
