Significant 620 hectare hazard reduction burn planned for Kurrajong Heights this Sunday

Media release: 8 August 2014

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning to conduct a 620 hectare hazard reduction burn this Sunday (10 August) at Tabaraga Ridge, Kurrajong Heights in the Blue Mountains National Park.

The burn will take place between Burralow Road, Bells Line of Road and Burralow Creek at Kurrajong Heights, NPWS Blue Mountains Regional Manager Alan Henderson said.

“This will be a large-scale multi-agency burn involving helicopter operations with more than 150 fire fighters from NPWS and the Rural Fire Service (RFS),” Mr Henderson said.

“Burralow Camping Area, Burralow Fire Trail/Tabaraga Ridge Fire Trail, Burralow Road and Paterson Range Fire trail will be closed from Friday (8 August) and will remain closed until the areas are declared safe, certainly until Friday 15 August at the earliest.

“Residents in the Kurrajong Heights, Kurrajong, Kurmond and North Richmond areas can expect smoke to affect the local area up until perhaps the following weekend.”

The burn is part of a hazard reduction program approved by the Hawkesbury Bush Fire Management Committee.

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

Motorists travelling on roads impacted by smoke are advised to slow down and drive to the conditions.  Nearby residents are advised to close doors and windows while the burn is undertaken.

 For information about planned hazard reduction burns near you, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

 So far this financial year NPWS have undertaken 28 hazard reduction activities across nearly 4000 hectares. This includes implementation of 11 hazard reduction burns treating over 3880 hectares within the narrow weather range where the conditions were suitable.  A total of 17 “mechanical hazard reduction” activities, such as mowing or slashing of asset protection zones, have also been achieved with more planned in the coming months.

 

Contact: Roger Bell