Hazard reduction burn in Jervis Bay National Park

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is carrying out a prescribed hazard reduction burn north of Bayswood, west of Vincentia.

The burn is 40-hectares comprising native forest vegetation and is located on the western side of Moona Creek Road, which forms the pedestrian access between Bayswood Estate and Berry Street at Vincentia.

The burn, which will mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing the overall fuel hazard, is expected to start around 10am on Friday 21 March, weather permitting.

This burn will enhance the conservation of flora species including the Pretty Beard Orchid, Eucalyptus racemosa and Corymbia gummifera and protect important wildlife and wildlife habitat including the endangered Eastern Bristlebird.

Mopping up operations will continue for several days following the burn and public access to the burn area and surrounding tracks will be restricted until a safety assessment is undertaken.

To support the hazard reduction burn, temporary road closures will be in place, and motorists should expect traffic delays and smoke in the area. Drivers are advised to follow all signage and adjust their driving to the conditions.

Hazard reduction burns are a critical measure to reduce bushfire fuel loads, helping to protect parks, neighbouring properties, 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, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Forest Corporation.

Details on specific burns are made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me app, and on NPWS Alerts website.

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

For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.