Trees engulfed in tall flames from a bushfire, there is a vehicle and a firefighter parked in the dark smoke next to the fire.
Credit: DPE
Fire facts

Understanding how bushfires start and behave helps us prepare for and manage fire more effectively.

Rural fire fighter wearing protective jacket and helmet, talking on a walkie-talkie.
Managing fire

We reduce bushfire risk in NSW national parks through strategic planning, hazard reduction and rapid response.

Rural fire fighter wearing protective clothing and helmet, walking down a track and burning the grass as he goes.
Rural fire fighter wearing protective clothing and helmet, walking down a track and burning the grass as he goes.
Fire management strategies

NSW national parks and reserves have fire management strategies to guide how the National Parks and Wildlife Service manages and responds to bushfires.

Bushfire hazard sign showing 'your fire risk today' with a range from moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic.
Bushfire hazard sign showing 'your fire risk today' with a range from moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic. .
Fire safety in national parks

Planned hazard reduction burns and major bushfire events can be dangerous for national park visitors and neighbours. Know the risks, check the fire danger rating and alerts and closures, and be prepared.

Aboriginal artwork Djamamban ganji (Talking fire - Dhurga language) has concentric circles, dot patterns, and turquoise shapes at the centre surrounded by earthy tones and tree-like forms, symbolising connection to Country, community, and cultural heritage.
Djamamban ganji (Talking fire - Dhurga language).
Credit: Leanne Brook, Murramarang Yuin
NSW Cultural Fire Strategy

The strategy has clear and achievable actions to start to restore Country and show the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal self-determination through cultural fire practice.

Burned ground after a fire, a grass tree is showing signs of recovery with new growth.
Burned ground after a fire, a grass tree is showing signs of recovery with new growth.
How fire affects plants and animals

Fire can have a positive and negative effect on our plants and animals. We manage fire in national parks to minimise the ecological impact on our wildlife and native vegetation.

A panoramic view of a dense forest with a variety of trees in the foreground, leading to rolling hills and mountains in the background under a clear sky at dusk.
A panoramic view of a dense forest with a variety of trees in the foreground, leading to rolling hills and mountains in the background under a clear sky at dusk.
National park recovery and rehabilitation after fire

We are responsible for the recovery of the landscape and native plants and animals following a major bushfire in a national park.

Two professionals in safety gear inspecting taking soil samples on a dirt field with burnt trees in the background
Warrumbungle National Park field research.
Credit: DCCEEW
Fire research

Research guides management actions to minimise the risk of harmful impacts of bushfire, while maintaining healthy, biodiverse, natural landscapes.