Kurrajong Heights hazard reduction burn

Media release: 19 August 2017

The National Parks and Wildlife Service and Rural Fire Service are conducting a 370 hectare hazard reduction burn near Kurrajong Heights starting on Sunday 20 August, weather permitting.

Blue Mountains Regional Director David Crust said the burn was south of the Bell’s Line of Road and was planned to protect the communities of Bowen Mountains, Kurrajong Heights, Kurrajong and those along the Nepean and Hawkesbury River.

“The burn will involve fifty fire fighters from NPWS and RFS as well as aerial support and will be centred on Burralow Road, Kurrajong Heights.

“The burn will be very visible, but modelling currently indicates smoke from the hazard reduction operation will have minimal if any impact on Sydney based on current forecasts.

“The area of this hazard reduction is significantly smaller than last week’s large operation.

“However, people with asthma or those susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors and follow their health plan,” Mr Crust said.

People with known health conditions should sign up to get air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS and check the RFS website for advice and for regular updates on planned burns.

The NPWS conducts controlled burns for a range of purposes including asset protection, strategic fire control, maintenance of biodiversity and research.

This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with assistance from the RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW.

They are part of the NSW Government's six-year $76 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State's national parks.

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

More information on hazard reduction activities: Rural Fire Service NSW and the RFS 'Fires Near Me’ app.

Contact: Jacki Roberts