BY JARROD MELMETH
Lower Hunter residents are being urged to hold off on hanging the washing out this weekend as the NSW Rural Fire Service conducts a number of hazard reduction burns.
NSW RFS and NPWS crews are carrying out important controlled burns in preparation for the upcoming Bush Fire Danger Period.
From Thursday Heddon Greta will be experiencing some smoke around Errol Crescent as firefighters burn off two hectares of bushland.
Across Thursday and Friday 44 hectares will be burnt off in National Park land behind properties of Lings and Browns Road at Buttai and Stockrington.
Mount Simpson Track at Laguna will see five hectares burnt off on Friday.
90 hectares will be burnt off in the Warakata National Park at Abermain off Bathurst Street on Saturday and Sunday.
While, another six hectares will be burnt off at the Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard at Pokolbin on Sunday.
NSW RFS Inspector Dave Millsteed says controlled burns help protect properties and assets and also assist firefighters to control any future bush fires.
“Given the forecast for increased winds on Saturday and Monday we are asking landholders to ensure they have adequate and functioning firefighting equipment on hand and follow the rules.
“Ensure you have adequate and functioning firefighting equipment on hand and follow the rules.
“Each year there is only a small window of opportunity where weather conditions are conducive to completing controlled burns,” Inspector Millsteed said.
“For a hazard reduction burn to be successful we require the right wind and temperature conditions and for ground fuels to be sufficiently dry.
Inspector Millsteed advises local residents to take appropriate precautions during the hazard reduction operation.
“This includes keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clothes lines and making sure pets are kept in a protected area,” Inspector Millsteed said.
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| Image: DPIE Environment, Energy and Science |
