National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake a hazard reduction burn with support from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) in Tomaree National Park on Wednesday 19 February, weather permitting.
The 3-hectare burn next to Boat Harbour Drive will take advantage of a small window of optimal weather conditions.
By reducing the risk of wildfire, the burn will help protect the Boat Harbour community as well as natural assets in Tomaree National Park.
Firefighters will conduct a low-intensity burn to minimise any impacts to the environment and threatened species, including koalas, which have previously been recorded in Tomaree National Park.
The burn will take place in bushland near Blanch Street, Andrew Close, Emerald Close and Harbour View, with close neighbours receiving written notification. The burn is expected to take a day, while smoke and ground patrols may continue for up to a week pending weather.
Boat Harbour residents should be aware that smoke could carry across most of the suburb.
Any motorists using surrounding roads are reminded to be aware of potential smoke hazards, to drive to conditions, and obey traffic management that will be in place.
Public access to a small area of Tomaree National Park will be closed while the burn is underway and will remain closed until firefighters have ensured there are no embers or trees in danger of falling. Check the NPWS website's Alerts page for updates.
NPWS may conduct more burns in the Port Stephens area in the coming weeks, weather permitting.
People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors with the windows shut.
The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2025 is focused on essential burns to protect park neighbours, park and catchment assets and park values.
All burns across NSW are coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure any impacts to the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.
Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me app, and on NPWS Alerts website.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation. For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.
