Hazard reduction burn in Malabar Headland National Park, eastern Sydney

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with assistance from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in Malabar Headland National Park this evening Wednesday 1 October.

The 5.6 hectare burn on the eastern side of this part of the park is bounded on the east by the Anzac Rifle Range and South East Equestrian Club to the south by Pioneer Park Sports Field and Franklin Street and to the west and north by the Western Escarpment Track.

This burn aims to reduce overall fuel hazard from very high to low-moderate over 70 per cent of the burn area to protect the park and neighbours from potential bushfire impacts.

It will also provide a mosaic burn pattern to the landscape and assist in the recovery of endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and reduce impact of weeds in the area.

All tracks and trails, in and close to the burn, will be closed until the area has been assessed and considered safe for public access.

Motorists are asked to drive to conditions due to potential smoke drift and reduced visibility.

For safety, people should not enter this area while the operation is underway. Visitors can check NPWS Alerts for up-to-date information on closures.

This burn is among the many NPWS is delivering across NSW national parks during spring to reduce the fuel load when conditions are favourable.

Hazard reduction burns are essential for reducing bushfire fuel loads to help safeguard parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

For health information relating to smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burns, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia.

More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government's Hazards Near Me website and app.