The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct a hazard reduction burn, on Saturday 5 September in Dharawal National Park near the Fire Shed in Darkes Forest. For safety, NPWS will temporarily close Maddens Falls walk and lookout, and Track 10 in Dharawal National Park.
Smoke may impact visibility on Darkes Forest Road during the operation, and drivers are urged to take care and follow directions from traffic crews.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 will be focussed on undertaking essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and protecting significant habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of the State's wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.
Around 56 hectares will be treated in Dharawal National Park and neighbouring private property. This burn will take place in the Strategic Fire Advantage Zone (SFAZ) located in Dharawal NP adjacent to the Fire Shed.
This reserve was not directly impacted by fire last summer and it is important this burn goes ahead to help protect residents and businesses from future fire events. It will also help to maintain biodiversity and reduce fuel loads in the area to protect local tourism infrastructure.
Undertaking this burn will help manage the potential risk of bushfire to communities and the environment before next summer, including the apple orchards and horse agistments along Darkes Forest Road. This work also provides firefighters safe zones and access where they can defend properties should a bushfire occur.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.
Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, 'Fires Near Me' app, and on the NPWS Alerts website.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.
For up to date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.
