The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning hazard reduction burns in the Kangaroo Valley section of Morton National Park and the northern section of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area over the coming days, weather permitting.
NPWS Area Manager Graham Bush said the 19 hectare Jacks Corner Road hazard reduction burn is due to begin at 10am on Friday 12 April and smoke from the burn may be visible in the Nowra, Kangaroo Valley and Bundanoon areas.
"These burns will build on the previous three burns undertaken earlier this year covering approximately 3000 ha in the Kangaroo Valley area," Mr Bush said.
"Members of the public driving on Jacks Corner Road may encounter smoke across the road and fire fighters in the vicinity, and are urged to drive carefully.
"The 40 hectare hazard reduction burn in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is expected to begin at 10am on Saturday 13 April and the North Wollongong area may be impacted by smoke.
"The Forest walk will be closed over the following week for public safety.
"We thank our neighbours for their understanding.
"People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors," said Mr Bush.
These burns are some of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
This hazard reduction burn is part of the NSW Government's $76 million package over six years to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State's national parks, where conditions allow.
For health information relating to smoke from hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
