Hazard reduction burn conducted in National Park

A hazard reduction burn was undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Brisbane Water National Park near Umina on September 3 and 4.

National Parks and Wildlife Service acting regional manager Mr Alan Henderson said the burn was part of an ongoing fire management strategy which aims to protect lives, property and the biodiversity of the Park.

The 130 hectare burn took place to the west of Umina, east of Nagari Rd and the Woy Woy tip and south of the railway line.

"The burn provided a strategic fuel reduction zone in the Umina area and will assist in preventing wildfire moving through the Park", said Mr Henderson.

During the burn Van Dahls, Sani Depot and Waratah Patch Fire Trails were closed to walkers and smoke may have affected the area including any roads.

This hazard reduction burn was approved by the Gosford Bushfire Management Committee which is made up of local bushfire experts to identify and address local bushfire risks.

National Parks and Wildlife Service were assisted by Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue.

Ground crews were supported by a helicopter which undertook aerial incendiary work.

The burn was also part of the NSW Government's $62 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State's national parks where conditions allow.

With the assistance of the Enhanced Bushfire Management Program, National Parks and Wildlife Service plans to burn an average of over 135,000 hectares per year, through more than 800 individual hazard reduction activities.

In the 2012-13 financial year the National Parks and Wildlife Service conducted over 80 per cent of the hazard reduction undertaken across the State with a record 208,000 hectares in 1300 separate fuel reduction activities in our national parks and reserves.

Media release, 2 Sep 2013

Susan Davis, National Parks and Wildlife Service