Hazard reduction burn planned for Sydney’s north over coming days

Media release: 17 May 2012

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) together with NSW Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service and Ku-ring-gai Council are planning to undertake a hazard reduction burn in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park between North Turramurra and St Ives Chase tomorrow Friday 18th May and continuing on Saturday 19th May 2012.

NSW NPWS Metropolitan North East Regional Manager, Gary Dunnett said the 73 ha strategic burn was being conducted to protect properties from the summer wildfire season and is expected to generate a lot of smoke.

“Smoke will potentially drift into surrounding suburbs from Turramurra through to St Ives but should not impact any major roads,” Mr Dunnett said.

“Warrimoo Oval in St Ives Chase will be closed tomorrow for use as a helicopter base.

“Fire agencies have been working hard to complete as many hazard reduction burns as possible while the weather conditions have been suitable.

“Hazard reduction burns are very weather dependent. and can only be done if fuel moisture, wind and temperatures are exactly right.

“We would like to apologise to our neighbours and visitors in advance for any inconvenience,” he said.

This burn is just one of many being undertaken by NPWS throughout the cooler months across metropolitan Sydney and the State.

During 2010-11, NPWS completed 155 prescribed burns treating an area of more than 55,976 hectares.

Over the next five years, the NPWS Enhanced Bushfire Management Program will double hazard reduction operations in national parks and reserves from 60,000 hectares per year, to over 135,000 hectares per year.

Hazard reduction burns are one of the many effective fire management tools used by firefighters.

Mr Dunnett said that ongoing firefighter training, cyclical fire trail 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 RFS website: www.rfs.gov.au

Contact: Public Affairs

Page last updated: 17 May 2012