Smoke possible from Royal National Park hazard reduction burn

Media release: 21 August 2017

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in Royal National Park today (Monday 21 August – Tuesday 22 August), weather permitting.

NPWS Area Manager Andres Bianchi said the 102-hectare burn will take two days to complete. 

“The burn will start at 10am and will involve around 65 firefighters from NPWS, NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW during the peak of the burn on the first day, finishing up when required, weather permitting,” said Mr Bianchi.

“Smoke from the burn may be highly visible and impact on local areas. Residents on the north side of the Hacking River in suburbs such as Lilli Pili, Grays Point, Port Hacking, Yowie Bay, Miranda and even Cronulla may see smoke during the burn.

“Residents of Bundeena and Maianbar may see and smell smoke from this burn.

“People with asthma or those susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

“During the duration of the burn the Warumbul Road will be closed and there will be no access to these locations: Youthworks Conference Centre, Gogerlys Point and Winifred Falls.

“Where traffic control is in place during the burn motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and follow directions from fire crews,” said Mr Bianchi.

This burn is one of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

This hazard reduction burn is part of the NSW Government’s $76 million package over six years to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State’s national parks, where conditions allow.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.

For more information on hazard reduction activities visit the Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Service Fires near me App.

Contact: OEH Public Affairs – 02 9995 534