The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has lit a hazard reduction burn in Ben Boyd National Park, north of Eden, Friday 23 April 2021.
NPWS South Branch Director said that during the burn there will be temporary park closures in place and people should check the NPWS website before visiting.
"Local NPWS firefighters are planning a 74-hectare burn in the Haycock Point area of the park," said Mr Weeks.
"This burn will occur adjacent to Haycock Point Rd and the Princess Highway between Merimbula and Eden.
"During the burn the Haycock Point area will be closed, which means no access to facilities and beaches along Haycock Road.
"Closed areas include Barmouth Beach, Severs Beach, Quondola Point, the Pinnacles loop walking track and the Haycock Point Picnic Area.
"This burn and others being conducted by NPWS South Coast Branch this week, are essential to reduce fuel loads, protect park neighbours and to maintain biodiversity in our reserves.
"Working with the RFS we have scheduled these burns to take advantage of this short window of favourable weather conditions.
"The area being treated was not directly impacted by the black summer bushfires and todays burn will help manage the potential risk of bushfire to communities before next summer.
"The burn will produce smoke that will be visible to nearby communities and motorists along the Princess Highway.
"Motorists are advised to drive to conditions and observe all signage and directions from RMS or NPWS crews," Mr Weeks said.
Smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning can affect some people more than others.
NSW Health reminds people that children, older adults and those with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke.
If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.
This burn is one of 12 hazard reduction burns NPWS has planned for the Sapphire Coast area this autumn, and one of the many burns undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year.
