Fire

We manage fire in NSW national parks to protect life and property, and to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Trees engulfed in tall flames from a bushfire, there is a vehicle and a firefighter parked in the dark smoke next to the fire.

Fire facts

Understanding why fires start and how they burn helps us prepare for and manage bushfires. We conduct ongoing research into fire behaviour and best practice fire management.

Rural fire fighter wearing protective jacket and helmet, talking on a walkie-talkie.

Managing fire

We work to reduce the risk of bushfire in national parks through careful planning and hazard reduction activities.

Rural fire fighter wearing protective clothing and helmet, walking down a track and burning the grass as he goes.

Fire management strategies

National parks and reserves in NSW have specific fire management strategies to help the National Parks and Wildlife Service manage hazard reduction activities and bushfires.

Fire safety in parks

Planned hazard reduction burns and major bushfire events can be dangerous for park visitors and neighbours. Know the risks, check for fire alerts and be prepared.

Burned ground after a fire, a grass tree is showing signs of recovery with new growth.

How fire affects plants and animals

Fire can have a positive and negative effect on our plants and animals. We manage fire in national parks to minimise the ecological impact on our wildlife and native vegetation.

A panoramic view of a dense forest with a variety of trees in the foreground, leading to rolling hills and mountains in the background under a clear sky at dusk.

Park recovery and rehabilitation after fire

As land managers, we help with park recovery from the impacts of fire.

Two professionals in safety gear inspecting taking soil samples on a dirt field with burnt trees in the background

Fire research

Research guides management actions to minimise the risk of harmful impacts of bushfire, while maintaining healthy, biodiverse, natural landscapes.