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Smoky skies around Nattai as NPWS conducts hazard reduction burn

Media release: 19 August 2015

Residents of areas surrounding Nattai National Park are advised of potential smoky conditions over coming days as the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) takes advantage of the mild and dry weather to complete hazard reduction burns within the park.

NPWS Regional Manager, Gary Dunnett said that, weather permitting, the 1600 hectare Starlights Hazard Reduction Burn would be conducted over three days from Thursday 20 August.

“This burn, which is strategically undertaken to increase protection of homes and properties during summer, is expected to generate smoke that may affect roads and houses in their local areas,” said Mr Dunnett.

“It is being conducted with the involvement of a number of agencies including NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).”

During the burn program and until the area is declared safe, both Emmitts Flat Campground and Starlights Walking Trail will be closed. 

No local roads will be closed; however, smoke may affect visibility on Wattle Ridge Road, Wilson’s Drive, residential streets in Hill Top, and along adjacent sections of the Hume Highway, with appropriate local signage in place.

“We remind motorists that smoke may affect local roads, so please drive to the conditions, adhere to local signage and any direction from onsite fire crews,” said Mr Dunnett.

People in smoke affected neighbourhoods, with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems, are advised to take necessary precautions during burning operations.

This burn is some of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year many with assistance from the RFS and FRNSW.

This hazard reduction burn is 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.

The following is recommended for hazard reduction burns:

  • Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
  • Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
  • Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
  • Remove washing from clotheslines
  • Ensure pets have a protected area
  • Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
  • Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
  • If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.

Contact: Danielle Schwerin

Page last updated: 19 August 2015