The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced plans for an 850-hectare hazard reduction burn in the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park, set to commence on 26 March, weather conditions permitting. This preventive measure is part of a strategic effort to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect surrounding communities.
Scheduled to unfold over consecutive days, the operation targets the reduction of naturally accumulated fuel loads in the park. The primary aim is to provide strategic protection for the residential areas of Glenbrook, Lapstone, and Mulgoa against potential future wildfires.
During the burn, the Glenbrook precinct of the park will be closed to the public. This includes popular walking tracks and visitor areas such as Euroka campground, Red Hands Cave, and several lookout tracks, as reported by bluemountainsaustralia.com.
The NPWS has advised visitors to stay informed on closures by checking NPWS Alerts, promising that areas will be reopened as soon as they are deemed safe by fire crews.
The visibility of smoke from the burns may affect the Great Western Highway and the M4. Motorists in the area are advised to exercise caution and drive according to conditions. Individuals sensitive to smoke, particularly those with respiratory conditions, are encouraged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure.
This burn is a component of the comprehensive hazard reduction program carried out by NPWS each year, often in collaboration with the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. These operations are crucial for managing vegetation fuel loads and reducing the intensity and spread of potential wildfires.
Residents with health conditions making them vulnerable to smoke can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts, and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. For health-related information regarding smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burns, NSW Health and Asthma Australia offer resources and advice.
More information on hazard reduction activities and how they contribute to wildfire prevention can be found on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and the NSW Government’s Hazards Near Me app.
The planned hazard reduction burns in Blue Mountains National Park underscore the ongoing commitment of NSW authorities to wildfire risk management and community safety. By taking proactive measures to manage fuel loads, the NPWS aims to mitigate the impact of wildfires, ensuring the protection of both natural landscapes and residential communities.