The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a hazard reduction burn in Broadwater National Park, west of Evans Head, on Thursday 20 May and Friday 21 May.
NPWS Richmond Area Manager Damien Hofmeyer said the purpose of the burn is to reduce bushfire risk to the Evans Head township and surrounding properties.
"Subject to favourable weather conditions, the 50-hectare burn will focus on the area bounded to the north by Evans Head-Woodburn Rd and to the west by Wallum Drive.
"Smoke may be visible to residents in Evans Head over the two-day period. If you are vulnerable to smoke, we encourage you to stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.
"To ensure public safety and allow for effective prescribed burning operations, traffic management will be in place on Evans Head-Woodburn Rd. Motorists in the area are reminded to use caution and drive to conditions.
"The medium-intensity hazard reduction burn will also help to maintain the ecological health of the coastal heath and paperbark communities.
"Coastal heath and paperbark communities are fire-adapted and this hazard reduction burn will facilitate the germination of many different species. We expect to see herbaceous species like the Guinea flower and Christmas bells flourishing in the months following this burn," said Mr Hofmeyer.
A helicopter will be on site on Thursday providing aerial support for the hazard reduction burn.
All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (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 Rural Fire Service website, 'Fires 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 website.
