³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with Fire and Rescue (FRNSW) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is planning hazard reduction burns in Wianamatta Regional Park
and Scheyville ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park this weekend (3 and 4 October 2020).
NPWS Ranger Team Leader Cameron Wade said that smoke and flames will be visible as these burns require higher temperatures to reduce fuel loads in Cumberland Plain Woodland.
“We are taking advantage of favourable weather conditions this weekend to undertake these planned burns that will protect hundreds of homes and businesses from wildfire,” said Mr Wade.
“The 31-hectare ‘Madonna’ burn will be lit on 3 October and will take place on the western side of Wianamatta Regional Park, near Jordan Springs.
“At the same time the 26-hectare ‘Hulk’ burn will take place on the eastern side of Wianamatta Regional Park to protect homes at Ropes Crossing.
“Approximately 150 fire fighters will be on scene and will work together to implement this burn, with support from a helicopter including aerial incendiary deployment, water bucketing and aerial observations.
“Smoke may be visible along The Northern Road and Palmyra Avenue as well as from Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing but crews are well prepared and will remain on site to protect residents and assets.
“Motorists in the area over the weekend are reminded to drive to conditions and to follow the instructions of fire crews.
“Locals are reminded to please refrain from walking in this area for a few days after the fire and abide all safety signage,” said Mr Wade.
On Sunday 4 October, the ‘Sitella HR’ a 33-hectare burn is planned for Scheyville ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park to reduce fuel loads and protect important assets.
“This burn will be in the north east section of the park near Maraylya and will also be quite visible,” said Mr Wade.
“Scheyville Road may be closed during the day with detours in place.
“Parts of the national park will also be closed during the burn and over the subsequent days so please check the NPWS website for up to date information,” said Mr Wade.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns to protect park neighbours, assets or significant habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of the wildlife impacted by the summer bushfires.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the 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 website, ‘Fires Near Me’ app, and on website.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit or the .
For up to date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the .
