With favourable conditions returning, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in conjunction with NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), is planning a hazard reduction burn in Scheyville National Park, east of Pitt Town, on Wednesday 18 January.
NPWS Acting Area Manager Leigh Nolan said the 30-hectare burn will help protect the communities adjacent to Scheyville National Park as well as improve the environmental values of the reserve.
"We are taking advantage of every possible opportunity to progress our hazard reduction program," Ms Nolan said.
"Following 2 successful burns earlier this week, tomorrow's burn will further reduce fuel hazards in the reserve.
"The type of vegetation we have here, Cumberland Plain Woodland, requires warmer temperatures for the built-up fuel to burn, and doing it under tightly controlled conditions means we can better protect neighbours in the event of a wildfire.
"The burn is due to begin around 9 am and motorists are advised to be aware of potential smoke hazards on surrounding roads and drive to conditions," Ms Nolan said.
Parts of Scheyville National Park will be closed during the burn, including:
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Saunders Boundary Trail
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Bat Box Trail
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Waterline Trail
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Market Garden Trail
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Powerline South Trail.
Smoke may be visible in the National Park and from surrounding residential areas depending on wind direction. People with asthma or those who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2023 is focused on essential burns to protect park neighbours, assets and park values.
All burns around the state will continue being coordinated with the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to ensure the impact on the community is 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 NPWS Alerts.
For health information relating to smoke 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.
