The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning to undertake a hazard reduction burn, subject to favourable weather conditions, in Brindabella National Park commencing Thursday 11 April 2019.
NPWS Area Manager Anthony Evans said the burn is approximately 1,200 hectares.
"This burn is located in the north western area of Brindabella National Park approximately 20km to the west of Canberra and will see the closure of parts of Brindabella National Park during and after the burn to ensure visitor safety," said Mr Evans.
"Residents in and around Wee Jasper are being warned to prepare for potential smoky conditions.
"Motorists travelling on roads and trails in the Brindabella Range are being warned to prepare for potential smoky conditions. Trail closures and smoke warning signs will be in place in numerous locations," said Mr Evans.
Visitors planning a trip to the Brindabella National Park are advised to check the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for updates on the timing of the burn and trail closures.
More information on the burn is available via the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
This proposed burn is part of 18 scheduled across the NSW NPWS Southern Ranges, combining to treat approximately 23,000 hectares and part of the annual hazard reduction burning program.
NPWS Branch Director Mick Pettitt said the 18 burns are within several National Parks and Reserves, with the larger blocks in Kosciuszko and Brindabella National Parks.
"This has been a busy year for our staff, having been involved in firefighting operations for more than seven months, with local crews supporting fire events across the state and Victoria since mid-August," said Mr Pettitt.
"The annual burning program is scheduled for autumn to make use of more predictable cooler weather. Autumn conditions help us to keep the burns at the right intensity to reduce bush fire fuels.
"Our window of opportunity is likely to be short this year, and we may be burning over the Easter period. We apologise for possible smoke impacting the region when there are visitors in the area but ask for everyone's understanding that getting these burns completed is important protection work for the community.
"The blocks that we are burning this year are identified as part of an ongoing strategic three year planning process and are located to minimise the run of wild fires in summer. The main objective of our burning program is to increase the protection to our park neighbours but also to provide protection for environmental assets within the reserves," said Mr Pettitt.
These burns will be part of hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW.
This work is occurring under 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 bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
