National Park closures during hazard reductions burns

Media release: 29 March 2015

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) will conduct two hazard reduction burns in Blue Mountains National Park in the lead up to Easter, if weather allows.

The 3115 hectare Mt Hay Range East burn is located north of Leura and Wentworth Falls and east of Mt Hay Road.

NPWS Regional Manager Alan Henderson said they were large operations that would take a number of days to complete but was confident the areas would be re-opened before Easter.

“The Queen Victoria South burn will cover an area of 800 hectares located 6km south of Wentworth Falls and Bullaburra and east of the Kings Tableland Road,” Mr Henderson said.

“These burns will reduce fuel loads ahead of summer and help protect many of the townships in the mid mountains including Leura, Wentworth Falls, and Lawson through to Woodford.

“Smoke may be in the area for several days, particularly around the mid and lower mountains.  It has the potential to push into parts of western Sydney, depending on weather conditions during and after the operation.

“Motorists are also advised slow down if smoke impacts roads and be aware of fire vehicles travelling along Mt Hay and Tableland Roads.   

“Nearby residents are advised to close doors and windows whilst the burn is undertaken and that there would be aircraft operating in the area.”

 As a result of the operation:

• The Mount Hay area of Blue Mountains National Park will be closed from Tuesday 31 March until the area is declared safe.  This includes Mt Hay Road, Lockleys Pylon Walking Track, Fortress Canyon and associated walking tracks, Butterbox Canyon and Mt Hay Walking Tracks.
• The Kings Tableland Road in Blue Mountains National Park would be closed to non-resident traffic from Monday 30 March until the area is declared safe.  This includes access to McMahons Lookout and the Andersons fire Trail mountain bike route. 

This burn is just one of many being undertaken by NPWS across NSW, as conditions allow. Further burns are planned for the Blue Mountains into next week.

So far this financial year, the NPWS has carried out 97 hazard reduction burns treating more than 48,000 hectares.

This represents more than three quarters of the total amount of hazard reduction burning conducted across the State, some of which was conducted with the assistance of RFS and NSWFR.

Hazard reduction burns are one of the many fire management tools used by fire-fighters. Ongoing fire-fighter training, fire trial maintenance, equipment upgrades and community education are all important elements of preparation for any fire season.

For more information on planned hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Contact: Gabrielle Last