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Smoke expected over Sydney tomorrow

Media release: 27 August 2012

Sydney residents can expect heavy smoke across the city tomorrow, August 28, as fire-fighters continue hazard reduction burns around the city in the lead up to summer.

NPWS Metropolitan Director Gary Dunnett said a 3000 hectare burn at Bilpin in Blue Mountains National Park could cause a large smoke drift across the Sydney Basin.

It may also affect local roads, including the Bells Line of Road and the Great Western Highway.

The burn will involve 50 fire-fighters from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

A hazard reduction burn is also being carried out in the Garrawarra State Conservation Area near Helensburgh tomorrow to help protect properties in Helensburgh.

Smoke from the burn may be visible to motorists travelling along the Princes Highway and could impact traffic along the highway.

The burn is being carried out with the assistance of the RFS.

Motorists in smoke affected areas are asked to exercise caution and observe road signs.

More burns may be scheduled in the Blue Mountains, northern and southern Sydney later this week and over the weekend if the weather allows.

Mr Dunnett said all areas and agencies were making the most of dry spring weather to carry out hazard reduction schedules disrupted by wet weather over the past 12 months.

This hazard reduction activity is part of the NSW Government’s $62 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and just one of many being undertaken by NPWS across NSW.

During 211 – 12, the National Parks and Wildlife Service completed 204 prescribed burns treating an area of more than 47,000 hectares.

For more information on planned hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Contact: Roger Bell