The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a hazard reduction burn at Warialda State Conservation Area (Stonehenge section), East of Warialda starting Sunday 8 September, weather permitting.
NPWS are taking advantage of predicted favourable weather conditions to schedule this 569-hectare burn which will provide protection to the Warialda township in the event of unplanned fire.
The burn is expected to take 3 days, with a number of NPWS and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) fire-fighting units driving and working in the vicinity during the operation and mop up.
Warialda and surrounding areas may experience some smoke haze for a number of days particularly in the late evening and early morning. People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce any possible exposure.
Traffic control will be in place on the Gwydir Highway. Motorists are advised to use caution, follow the directions of staff and drive to conditions.
Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.
This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.
