Major hazard reduction at North Rocks
Published: 26th September 2012
Firefighters from Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and State Forests will undertake a major hazard reduction operation at Bidjigal Reserve, North Rocks, Sydney today <Wednesday 26 September > from 9am.
FRNSW Area Commander for Western Sydney, Chief Superintendent Tom Milburn, said the hazard reduction would cover 20ha between Mill Drive, Larra Crescent and Renown Road and involve 20 FRNSW and NSW RFS crews.
The large volumes of smoke anticipated during the operation is likely to impact on the M2 and surrounding suburbs.
“FRNSW is undertaking this hazard reduction, in conjunction with the NSW RFS and the Bidjigal Trust, in preparation for the bushfire season,” Chief Superintendent Milburn said.
“This burn is a major priority for the state’s fire authorities due to the extremely high fuel load in the area making it a major bushfire risk.
“There will be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel. Residents in the area should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.”
Residents around the hazard reduction burn area are advised to take the following precautions:
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from clotheslines
- Ensure pets have a protected area
- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.
A full list of hazard reductions is available on the RFS website – www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr