National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with Rural Fire Service (RFS) is planning a one-day hazard reduction burn at Garby Nature Reserve on the northern beaches of Coffs Harbour near Mullaway on Thursday August 6.
The 20 hectare hazard reduction burn will take place in Garby Nature Reserve on the western side of Arrawarra Road at Mullaway. An adjacent block to south is planned to be also treated by hazard reduction in 2021.
The burn will help protect properties in Mullaway community from potential wildfire and maintain biodiversity and vigour of the fire resilient coastal vegetation communities in the area.
Smoke may be visible from towns and villages around the region including from Woolgoolga, Arrawarra and Safety Beach.
There may be minimal smoke impacts on residential properties as the wind is from the south west and south and smoke will be pushed to west of residential properties.
The Nature Reserve and all trails bounded to the west by Arrawarra Road will be closed during the burn. Traffic Control may be implemented in the area.
NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and to protect significant areas of habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.
Undertaking burns when conditions are right to ensure they are safe and effective is an important part of managing the potential risk of bushfire to communities and the environment before next summer.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) 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 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.
