Autumn hazard reduction burning off underway

The National Parks and Wildlife Service’ (NPWS) autumn hazard reduction program is continuing with further burns being undertaken in the Pilliga Nature Reserve and Goonoo State Conservation Area, from Wednesday and continuing at least until the weekend.

NPWS Baradine Area Manager John Whittall said the latest low intensity burn are being undertaken to reduce fire risk during summer.

“Starting tomorrow 13 May in the Pilliga Nature Reserve a 3000 hectares burn will be undertaken 20 kilometres north of Coonabarabran”, Mr Whittall said.

“Situated between Punks, Coopers, Rogers and Part of Dandry Road to the west of Pilliga Pottery, and 5 kilometres south east of Dandry Gorge”, he said.

“People visiting the Pilliga Pottery, or the popular and iconic Sculptures in the Scrub at Dandry Gorge should expect to see smoke but should not be alarmed.

“Up to 21 firefighters with appliances, bulk water and heavy plant will be undertaking this burn over the next few days and which may continue into next week if conditions permit.

“About 50kilometres north of Dubbo on the western side of Mendooran Road in Goonoo State Conservation Area a second burn is planned for Friday 15 May.

“Mendooran Road is a high use road and motorists need to exercise caution when they see smoke advisory signs, and drive to conditions.

“Fire crews will also be active in the area with firefighting appliances, heavy plant and a bulk water cart in use”, Mr Whittall said.

These burns are some of many being undertaken by NPWS across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s $62.5 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State’s national parks.

The NPWS works with the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and Forestry Corporation NSW on many of its hazard reduction burns.

Already this financial year the NPWS has completed around 150 hazard reduction burns treating more than 100,000 hectares. This represents about 90% of the hazard reduction burning conducted across the State.

With the assistance of the Enhanced Bushfire Management Program, the NPWS plans to burn an average of over 135,000 hectares per year, through more than 800 individual hazard reduction activities.