More than 100 hazard reduction burns planned for this week
Published Date: 23 May 2014
Summary
Fire agencies and land managers will take advantage of favourable weather conditions to complete a number of important hazard reduction burns across the State during the next several days.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said more than 100 controlled burns are scheduled to take place across the State in the coming week. "Good weather conditions have provided us with a welcome window of opportunity to continue our controlled burning program this week in preparation for the next fire season," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"There are hazard reduction burns already underway in areas including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and the Shoalhaven.
"Weather conditions are challenging for this type of work and the current conditions have provided agencies with an excellent opportunity to complete some key burns."
Some areas may be affected by smoke while hazard reduction burns are underway. People are advised to only call Triple Zero (000) if they see an unattended fire.
Residents near controlled burns are encouraged to take precautions such as avoiding outdoor activity in smoky areas, keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clotheslines and, if driving through smoke affected areas, slow down and switch on headlights.
Members of the community who have asthma should take appropriate precautions and follow their asthma management plans.
"An early onset and long duration of the 2013/14 fire season and the recent wet weather has put the hazard reduction programme behind schedule so we will be using every opportunity to conduct this vital preparation work," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"It is important that the community take the lead from fire agencies and land managers by also taking advantage of the good weather to prepare their properties for the inevitable return of fire conditions."
A list of planned hazard reductions is available on the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr. Traffic information is available at www.livetraffic.com
Smartphone owners can download the free Fires Near Me app, which displays the location and stat/us of current hazard reduction burns and bush fires across NSW.
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