The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is undertaking a 3-day hazard reduction burn in Jilliby State Conservation Area (SCA) between Yarramalong and Ravensdale starting Wednesday 8 September 2021.
NPWS Central Coast Area Manager Steve Atkins said the burn will reduce fuel loads in the area, decreasing the risk of wildfire to rural residential properties in Ravensdale Valley.
"The 543-hectare burn will take place from the corner of Bee Camp Point Road, along the western side of Watagan Forest Road to Pitts Point Road, then progressing down-hill to private properties along Ravensdale Road," said Mr Atkins.
"The burn will commence at approximately 9am each day and continue throughout the day into the evenings. Our onsite crews will also be supported by a helicopter on 2 of the burn days.
"While weather and wind conditions are currently looking good, smoke from the burn may impact on the area. If you are vulnerable to smoke, we encourage you to stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to reduce your exposure," said Mr Atkins.
The burn has also been designed to protect habitat for threatened species like the yellow-bellied glider, spotted-tail quoll and brush-tailed rock wallaby. Watagan Forest Road, Bee Camp Point Road and Pitts Point Road will be closed for the duration of the burn.
This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across New South Wales each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. These hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect the parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.
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 the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
