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Blaxlands Ridge hazard reduction burn, Wednesday 23 August 2017

Media release: 23 August 2017

The National Parks and Wildlife Service and Rural Fire Service are conducting a hazard reduction burn in Wollemi National Park in the Blaxlands Ridge area tomorrow 23 August, weather permitting.

Blue Mountains Regional Director David Crust said the burn may cause some minimal smoke impacts on north western Sydney.

“The burn is designed to protect the Blaxlands Ridge community which was heavily impacted in the 2001 fires.

“It will cover an area of about 225 hectares, and modelling currently indicates some smoke from the hazard reduction operation could reach north western Sydney on Wednesday morning, based on current wind predictions.

“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: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and the RFS 'Fires Near Me’ app.

Contact: Jacki Roberts

Page last updated: 23 August 2017