NPWS completes major hazard reduction burn

Media release: 20 September 2014

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) completed a major hazard reduction burn, yesterday (19/9) in Medowie State Conservation Area, Port Stephens.

NPWS Hunter Coast Area Manager Andrew Bond said the successful hazard reduction burn is part of a strategic fuel reduction program for Medowie State Conservation Area.

“The burn took place south of Old Swan Bay Road in Medowie State Conservation Area, 5 kilometres north east of the Medowie township”, Mr. Bond said.

“The burn provides a strategic fuel reduction zone to assist in preventing wildfire leaving or entering the park, and reduce fire risk to neighbouring residences.

“The burn was completed using NPWS and local NSW Rural Fire Service crews.

“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.

These are just some of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year.

“NSW Government has provided $62.5 million 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.

 

Images from yesterday’s burn here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/9107737@N07/sets/72157647797419732/

Contact: Lawrence Orel