The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) are conducting two large hazard reductions in Blue Mountains National Park near Leura and Glenbrook this week.
NPWS regional manager Alan Henderson said the burns had been approved by the Blue Mountains Bush Fire Management Committee and were likely to generate smoke in the Mid-Mountains villages.
“The first planned 3,000 hectare operation, will occur approximately 1km north of Leura and Wentworth Falls, between Mt Hay Road and Wentworth Creek in Blue Mountains National Park on Thursday and Friday, May 5-6,” Mr Henderson said.
“Residents are advised that the operation is likely to generate significant amounts of smoke,” he said.
“Under forecast conditions, smoke may affect Mid-Mountains villages and the Great Western Highway.
“The hazard reduction is expected to take at least two days, but smoke may be visible for several days following completion.
“Mt Hay Road will be closed at the National Park gate for the duration of the operation.
“The second hazard reduction burn of around 1200 hectares is scheduled for Friday, May 6, south of Glenbrook and on the west side of the Nepean River.
“The Euroka camping and picnic area will remain open, but may experience smoke”, Mr Henderson said.
There are several areas of the Glenbrook precinct that will be closed during this time, including:
The Oaks Fire Trail – no access to Jack Evans Track and Nepean Lookout;
Red Hands Cave Road and Red Hands Cave walking track – no access to Red Hands Cave
Woodford Oaks Fire Trail – no access from Woodford for walkers or bike riders
“We apologise for any inconvenience these operations may cause however, they are aimed at protecting the mountain villages from summer bushfires.
“The hazard reduction burns will only go ahead if weather conditions are suitable on the day,” Mr Henderson said.
Hazard reductions on Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8 are also planned for Springwood between Farm Road and Bonton Road; Leumeah Road, Woodford; west of Booth Road, Bullaburra; and Shipley Road, Blackheath.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
For more information on planned hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me app or website:www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about National Park alerts and closures contact the NPWS Heritage Centre on 4787 8877 or visit the National Parks website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au .