The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is planning a one-day hazard reduction burn in the Turallo Nature Reserve near Bungendore.
The 1 hectare burn on Thursday 25 June is subject to weather conditions. It is part of an annual program which treats 1-2 ha each year to create a patchy mosaic burn of different ages across the 25 ha grassland reserve.
The burn aims to reduce the plant biomass (thatch) and promote the growth of native species. It will also reduce fuel and the risk to properties from potential wildfires escaping from the reserve.
The reserve protects one the region's best examples of endangered grassland with its many native plant species and habitat for the vulnerable little whip snake.
Smoke may be visible in Bungendore. The reserve will be closed until the area has been assessed and considered safe for public access. During the burn periods of smoke and ash fall may be experienced close to the reserve.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns to protect park neighbours, assets or significant habitat.
Undertaking burns under the right conditions 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.
This work also provides firefighters safe zones and access where they can defend properties, should a bushfire occur.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the 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.
