The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, manages approximately 10% of the land area of New South Wales as national park, nature reserve, state conservation area, World Heritage area, historic site, Aboriginal area, flora reserve, karst conservation reserve and regional park. Much of this area is remote from access infrastructure and is some of the most rugged and bushfire-prone country in south-eastern Australia. These areas have been reserved to conserve their natural and cultural values, including their biodiversity, landscapes, Aboriginal sites, historic structures and recreational settings.
The NPWS Fire Management Manual contains all of the policies and procedures for fire management planning and operations on NPWS-managed lands. The manual provides direction for staff, supports consistency across the organisation and strengthens NPWS’s ability to work cooperatively with other fire authorities, emergency services and the community.