The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning hazard reduction burns in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) this weekend subject to favourable weather.
NPWS Area Manager, Matt White, said: "The burns are at Jagumba, Maragle and Honeysuckle covering about 7,500 hectares, with the Jumguma burn starting late today and the others late tomorrow morning between Khancoban and Tumut along the western edge of the KNP, where parts of the park will be closed during and after the burns to ensure visitor safety."
"Motorists travelling on roads and trails in the Yellowbog and Greg Greg areas and some trails on the western side of Talbingo Reservoir may encounter smoky conditions. Trail closures and smoke warning signs will be in place in numerous locations.
"Residents in and around Khancoban, Tumbarumba, Batlow and Talbingo should prepare for potentially smoky conditions."
Visitors planning a trip to the Kosciuszko National Park should check the National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW website for updates on the timing of the burn and trail closures.
Mr White said: "These burns are part of 18 scheduled across the NSW NPWS Southern Ranges, covering approximately 23,000 hectares as part of the annual hazard reduction burning program. They're located in several national parks and reserves, with the larger blocks in Kosciuszko and Brindabella National Parks.
"The annual program is scheduled for autumn to make use of more predictable cooler weather. Autumn conditions help us to keep the burns at the right intensity to reduce bush fire fuels.
"We apologise for any smoke impacting visitors and residents in the area but ask for everyone's understanding that getting these burns completed is important protection work for the community to protect park neighbours and the environment in the reserves.
"People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors. For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation."
The burns are some of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW and other agencies that may manage assets within or adjacent to a burn.
The burns are part of the Government's six-year $76 million package to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in NSW national parks, where conditions allow.
More information on hazard reduction activities visit the Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Service "Fires near me" App.
