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Hazard reduction burn for Yeramba in Georges River National Park begins this afternoon Wed 12th Sept

Media release: 12 September 2012

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with the assistance of Fire and Rescue NSW will be conducting a hazard reduction burn in the Georges River National Park at Yeramba near Picnic Point starting on Wednesday afternoon 12 September, at about 4 pm.

NPWS Acting Area Manager Andres Bianchi said the burn of approximately 50 hectares would be undertaken over several days to reduce fuel loads in the area.

“Between 30 and 40 NPWS and Fire and Rescue staff will be involved and on-ground vehicles and equipment and a helicopter will be used in the operation,” Mr Bianchi said.

“There could be considerable smoke and we apologise to our neighbours for any inconvenience.

“We’ll be undertaking the burn in stages and we’ll be reassessing the situation as to whether this happens over consecutive days or whether we’ll undertake further stages in coming weeks.”

People with asthma or those more susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.

Smoke may drift across roads in and around Picnic Point and motorists should exercise caution.

Nearby residents are advised to: 
- close windows and doors,
- cover swimming pools
- place any plastic furniture undercover.
- remove any flammable material around their properties.

The area will be closely monitored and patrolled for several weeks following the burn.

Mr Bianchi said sections of the Georges River National Park will be closed in the interests of public safety.

“We’re asking visitors to take care and observe signs as areas of the park may be closed for several weeks following the burn.”

This hazard reduction operation is one of many being conducted by NPWS around the state.

During 2011-12, the National Parks and Wildlife Service completed 204 prescribed burns treating an area of nearly 50,000 hectares.

For up to date information on this and other hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Contact: Roger Bell