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Hazard reduction burn in Mount Kaputar National Park

Department media releaseHazard reduction burnMount Kaputar National ParkParkNational Parks and Wildlife ServiceFireNews and media releases

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with support from NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will carry out a hazard reduction burn West of Scutts Hut Fire Trail and South of Kaputar Road in Mount Kaputar National Park near Narrabri from 10am Monday 12 May to Friday 23 May 2025.

The burn will reduce fuel loads in a rugged, volcanic landscape where wildfires are historically large and containment options are limited.

The seven-day burn is a large two stage burn totalling 10,769 hectares which will serve to protect threatened species and ecological communities including brush tailed rock wallabies, pink slugs and kaputar rock skinks as well as protect the communities and agricultural lands surrounding Mount Kaputar National Park.

During the burn, Kaputar Road and visitor facilities including Bark Hut Campground and Dawson Springs will be closed. The park, facilities and trails will reopen once the area is assessed as safe.

Temporary road closures will be in place to support the hazard reduction burn and motorists are advised to follow signs and drive to conditions. 

Smoke may be visible from Narrabri and surrounding areas. If you are vulnerable to smoke, try to stay indoors, keeping doors and windows closed to reduce your exposure.

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, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Forest Corporation.  

The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2025 is focused on essential burns to protect both park neighbours, park and catchment assets and values.  

Burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.

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.

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