The National Parks and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the NSW Rural Fire Service, is planning a number of hazard reduction burns over the next few days in the Richmond Range and Yabbra national parks.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Richmond River Area Manager Damien Hofmeyer said the burns, which began today and will continue through to Sunday afternoon, will help to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure and prevent large north-south runs of wildfire through Richmond Range National Park.
'We're carrying out these burns in strategic locations across Richmond Range and Yabbra national parks to help protect the parks and neighbours from future bushfires,' said Mr Hofmeyer.
'The burns will also help to protect and provide habitat for threatened species like the black striped wallaby, the red legged pademelon and the long-nosed potoroo.
'Weather and wind conditions are looking favourable over the next few days for us to carry out these burns with minimal impacts on local communities; however, smoke may still be visible to residents in Casino, Kyogle and Bonalbo in coming days.
'If you are vulnerable to smoke, we encourage you to stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to reduce exposure,' said Mr Hofmeyer.
Road closures will be in place in Yabbra National Park and motorists should expect changed traffic conditions on Peacock Creek Road and Sextonville Road in the Richmond Range over the weekend.
All burns across New South Wales 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 RFS 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 RFS website.
