Crucial burns planned to provide added protection for NSW communities

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers said prescribed burns will be conducted across the Sydney, Hunter Valley, and Newcastle regions from tomorrow and will continue over the weekend to take advantage of the favourable conditions.

“We’re experiencing light, calm winds that are ideal for these burns; however, it could see smoke linger across certain areas up until mid-next week,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“The smoke from these burns may result in reduced air quality for the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Hunter regions.

Commissioner Rogers said it is important to take advantage of every hazard reduction opportunity as wet weather and unfavourable conditions resulted in the postponement of several controlled burns across the state over the last few months.

“It is so crucial that we make the most of these optimal conditions – these planned burns will reduce fuel loads across nearly 5,000 hectares providing protection to 1000’s of homes and people”, Commissioner Rogers said.

“Should the current weather conditions or forecast change, this activity will be amended or postponed. Our firefighters plan well in advance and monitor all these factors right up until when the burns are lit. We also utilise specialised lighting strategies to try to minimise the impact of smoke in the nearby affected areas.”

Members of the public are reminded that they should only call Triple Zero (000) if they see an unattended fire.

People in smoke affected areas should avoid outdoor activity, close doors and windows, keep pets in a protected area, remove washing from clotheslines and, if driving, slow down and turn on headlights.

Asthmatics and people with respiratory or heart conditions should take appropriate precautions, follow treatment and management plans and keep their medication on hand. For further information, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfire-smoke.aspx

A full list and map of scheduled hazard reduction burns for the coming week is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr