National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with NSW Fire and Rescue have planned a one-day hazard reduction burn in Wyrrabalong National Park at Forresters Beach on Wednesday 13 May.
The 6-hectare Cromarty Hill Hazard Reduction in Forresters Beach will help protect properties by reducing fuel loads, NPWS Director Hunter Central Coast Kylie Yeend said.
“This strategic burn will reduce fuel loads near properties on Cromarty Hill Road, North Scenic Road and Yakaloo Crescent,” Ms Yeend said.
The hazard reduction burn will temporarily close North Scenic Road and only residents will have access past the intersection Yumbool Close.
Additionally, the Coast Track will be closed between Wyrrabalong Lookout and Stephenson Road entry with security placed at Cromarty Hill Road and Stephenson Road to prevent visitor access to burn area.
The one-day burn will go ahead under a westerly wind so that smoke moves away from homes and over the ocean. Small amounts of smoke from unburnt logs will likely linger for a few days after the burn, and the area will be patrolled and monitored during this time.
NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and to protect significant areas of habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.
Undertaking burns when conditions are right to ensure they are safe and effective is an important part of managing the potential risk of bushfire to communities and the environment before next summer.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.
Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, ‘Fires Near Me’ app, and on NPWS Alerts website.
All hazard reduction burns over 50 hectares will be assessed by the NSW RFS in conjunction with NSW Health as required to ensure smoke impacts are minimised.
Source: Media release May 13, 2020 – NSW Department of Planning, Primary Industry and Environment