Hazard reduction burn at Maddens Plains
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in the Maddens Plains area of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area (IESCA) from Wednesday 2 August.
Weather permitting, the controlled burn will treat 23 hectares of bushland to help protect the reserve’s biodiversity and neighbours.
This strategic burn will protect the North Wollongong community from any future fires coming from the west, and provide safe access to firefighters ahead of summer.
Walking tracks in the IESCA adjacent to the Boomerang Golf Course will be closed for the duration of the burn and until the area is assessed as safe.
Specifically, the Boomerang Fire Trail will be closed and visitors must adhere to all safety signage.
Traffic control will also be in place on the Old Princes Highway near the golf course.
Smoke may be visible in the area, including the northern suburbs of Wollongong.
Motorists should use caution when driving on nearby roads and people vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to remain indoors and keep their doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.
People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Planning and Environment.
This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across New South Wales this year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from bushfires.
More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the Hazards Near Me website and app.
For health information relating to smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.
