Hazard reduction burns in North West

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has started two hazard reduction burns near Narrabri and Coonabarabran.

The burns started yesterday and 150 hectares will be treated in Pilliga Nature Reserve to reduce fuel loads near rural residents of Dandry and Narawa roads, north east of Coonabarabran.

A further hazard reduction at Killarney State Conservation Area, 10 kilometres north east of Narrabri will provide additional protection to several rural holdings.

Crews will be on hand for the duration of the operations and will mop up for several days until the hazard reductions are out.

Smoke may affect the Newell Highway and residents around Dandry and Narawa roads, Coonabarabran, the Department of Planning and Environment advised.

Narrabri and surrounding areas may also experience some smoke haze particularly in the late evening and early morning.

People with asthma or other respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors, close windows and doors, and follow their health plan.

People with known health conditions should sign up to get air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS and check the Rural Fire Service website for advice and for regular updates on planned burns.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service conducts controlled burns for a range of purposes, including asset protection, strategic fire control, maintenance of biodiversity and research.

This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by National Parks and Wildlife Service across NSW each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. These hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect the parks, neighbours and communities from summer bushfires.