20 April 2021

Hazard reduction burns underway in Kosciuszko, Bournda and Biamanga national parks

| Katrina Condie
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Hazard reduction burns

Hazard reduction burns will result in smoke around the region today. Photo: NPWS.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will resume its hazard reduction burn program in the Kosciuszko National Park today (Tuesday).

NPWS branch director Mick Pettitt said the 4,500-hectare burn in the north of Kosciuszko National Park was about 45 km east of Tumut and 40 km west of Canberra.

“These burns will help protect the park and limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties,” Mr Pettitt said.

“Weather conditions look to be ideal for these burns to start at about 12:00 pm.

“Motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe warning signs or directions from fire crews.

“Public access to these areas will be closed during the burning operations, including sections of Bramina Road and Boundary Road.”

Closures will be listed on the National Parks Website at NPWS local alerts.

Smoke from the burn program may be visible in the Brindabella area and ACT for several days.

“People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors,” Mr Pettit added.

Hazard burns are also underway in Biamanga National Park.

NPWS South Coast Director Kane Weeks says the 133-hectare burn is adjacent to the Honeymoon Fire Trail in the Cuttagee Area.

“This burn is in a strategic location and will help protect both visitors to the park and limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties around the Cuttagee area south of Bermagui area,” Mr Weeks said.

“Local NPWS crews will be assisted by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

“Biamanga National Park is under the care and control of a Board of Management after the park was returned to its traditional custodians in 2006 as part of a joint management agreement with NPWS.”

Chair of the Biamanga Board Bunja Smith acknowledged the importance of the hazard reduction burn for community safety and said cultural burns are also planned. They will be undertaken with the support of the Aboriginal community.

To ensure visitor safety while the burn is underway, parts of Biamanga National Park will be closed during the operation.

A six-hectare hazard reduction burn will also be carried out in Bournda National Park adjacent to the Hobart Beach Campground this week.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.

For more information on hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Service Fires near me App.

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