Hazard reduction at Chatswood West
Published: 17th October 2012
Firefighters from Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake a major hazard reduction operation within Lane Cove National Park, Sydney, today <Wednesday, 17 October > from 9am.
FRNSW Zone Commander for Western Sydney, Acting Superintendent Geoff McAllister, said the two-day hazard reduction would cover 21ha within the national park between Chatswood West, Macquarie Park and North Ryde and involve 70 personnel from FRNSW and NPWS.
The large volumes of smoke anticipated during the operation is likely to impact on Delhi Rd, Epping Rd, the M2 and surrounding suburbs.
“FRNSW is undertaking this hazard reduction, in conjunction with the NSW NPWS in preparation for the bushfire season,” Acting Superintendent McAllister 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.”
A hazard reduction operation is also taking place at Blackbutt Reserve at New Lambton.
Residents around the hazard reduction burn areas 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