Hazard reduction burn in Stockrington State Conservation Area

The 45-hectare burn will encourage biodiversity by prompting regrowth and germination of key native plant species, and will also reduce bushfire risk to nearby properties, wildlife and cultural heritage.

With the support of the NSW Rural Fire Service, NPWS will take advantage of a small window of opportunity to conduct this burn following a number of wet years.

The northern area of Stockrington SCA will remain closed from Tuesday to ensure public safety and allow for effective operations. Browns and Meredith Fire Trails will be reopened once they are assessed as safe. The public are reminded not to enter closed areas.

Smoke may be visible to residents in Stockrington, Black Hill, Minmi and Maryland. People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.

Regular monitoring of weather and fire-ground conditions enables NPWS to adjust planning leading up to and immediately prior to commencement of every hazard reduction burn.

Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

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

All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.

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.

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

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