Fire Crews Conducting Hazard Reduction Burns Around Bonnells Bay, Residents Urged to Prepare

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Fire and Rescue NSW crews from the Central Coast will be conducting a hazard reduction burn today (Monday 31st August), around Bonnells Bay, in the Lake Macquarie area.

The burn is scheduled to run from 10am for a number of hours and smoke is expected in the vicinity.

Residents in the area are advised to take the following precautions:

- Ensure windows and doors are closed to help prevent smoke entering their homes.
- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns.
- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage.
- Remove washing from clotheslines.
- Ensure pets have a protected area.
- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on.
- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety.
- People with asthma or lung conditions are advised to reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

Fire crews after advising anyone who spots a fire that is unattended, to call Triple Zero (000).

Hazard Reduction Burns Planned In The Hunter This Weekend

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters hope to take advantage of favourable weather over the next few days to carry out hazard reduction burns in the Hunter.

A 13 hectare burn gets under way today (Friday 28 August, 2020) off Kanimbla Drive at Salamander Bay; a 7 hectare and a 38 hectare burn is planned for Shoal Bay and West Fingal tomorrow.

A 115 hectare hazard reduction burn is planned in bushland, in Werakata National Park, near Abermain and Sawyers Gully,  adjacent to First Street, Lovedale on Saturday.

Anyone driving in the area, particularly on Old Maitland Road, are advised to use caution and respect temporary traffic control measures. 

Expected north-west winds on Saturday and cool evening conditions may see some smoke move to the Abermain and Cessnock areas overnight. 

Werakata National Park’s road and trail closures will include Native Dog Hill Road, London’s Road, Foresters Hut Trail, Kings Trail, First Street and Gibson’s Loop in the south. Resident access will be maintained during operations, subject to onsite conditions.  

RFS crews will also light up 27 hectares off the Link Road between Cameron Park Drive and Minmi Road tomorrow.

A 38 hectare burn is planned for Rhonda Road at Wakefield on Sunday and Monday, while NSW firefighters will be at St Joseph's south of Toronto from Sunday.

More burns are planned at Floralia Close at Blackbutt, Noamunga Reserve at Boat Harbour, Narara Road south of Coooranbong  and the M1 Pacific Motorway and George Booth Drive at Seahampton next Tuesday.

A number of hazard reduction burns are planned in the Hunter this weekend Picture: National Parks