Hazard reduction planned around Clarence Coastal Villages

Media release: 11 May 2015

With suitable conditions approaching the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning to complete several hazard reduction burns in Yuraygir National Park, around the villages of Minnie Water and Sandon over coming weeks. The first of these is scheduled for Wednesday 13 May. 

Clarence South Area Manager Andrew Lugg said strategic burns are planned in Yuraygir National Park to assist in the protection of properties and assets by reducing fuel levels. 

"The aim of these burns is to reduce the potential for high intensity bushfire during the bushfire season”, Andrew said.

“People living around or visiting Minnie Water and Sandon may notice smoke. Some fire trails may be closed during operations and traffic control will be in place”, he said.

“I remind everyone to observe road closures and heed instructions from fire crews.”

Every effort is made to minimise the impact of smoke, however take basic precautions and drive to the conditions. The risk to properties during these burns will be low, however to ensure your property is well prepared:

• Remove leaf litter from gutters.
• Ensure pets are secure within your property and have an area that provides protection for them.
• Close all windows and remove washing from clothes lines.
• Stay well clear of fire operations during the burn.
• If you have asthma or a lung condition it is recommended that you stay inside or leave the area during the burn.

Prescribed burning is the use of planned fire to protect life, property and the environment by reducing fuel levels and maintaining the health of plants and animals. 

These burns are of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year.

They are part of the NSW Government’s $62.5 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State’s national parks where conditions allow.

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

Read more about NPWS hazard reduction burns:

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/fire

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ 

 

Map of planned burn here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/48646673@N07/17487431906/

Contact: Lawrence Orel