Major NPWS hazard reduction burn in Medowie SCA tomorrow

Media release: 18 September 2014

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is tomorrow (19/9) planning to conduct a hazard reduction burn in Medowie State Conservation Area, Port Stephens.

NPWS Hunter Coast Area Manager Andrew Bond said the past week’s weather conditions provide an ideal window of opportunity to carry out the hazard reduction burning, which is scheduled as part of a strategic fuel reduction program for Medowie State Conservation Area.

Mr Bond said the major burn will take place south of Old Swan Bay Road in Medowie State Conservation Area, 5 kilometres north east of the Medowie township.

“The burn will provide a strategic fuel reduction zone to assist in preventing wildfire leaving or entering the park, and reduce fire risk to neighbouring residences”, Mr Bond said.

“A number of NPWS and NSW Rural Fire Service crews will be on hand to manage the burn during the day.

“Residents and motorists in the vicinity of the burn area are advised that, whilst every effort in planning and conducting the burn has been made to minimise the impact of smoke, they should be prepared for smoke in the area.

“Where possible, residents are advised to close all doors, windows and vents on their houses, keep pets inside and avoid sight-seeing which can hinder fire crew operations on the day.

“Motorists should be aware that visibility on roads in the area may be affected particularly Old Swan Bay road, and should adjust their driving accordingly. 

 “The burn in Medowie State Conservation Area is one of a number of hazard reduction burns planned for parks and reserves in the Port Stephens area over the coming months as weather permits, and is just one of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year.

 “The 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.

 For more information on planned hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au .   For information about these burns contact the NPWS Great Lakes Area office. Telephone 02 6591 0300.

Contact: Lawrence Orel