Major hazard reduction at Castle Hill
Published: 27th March 2013
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) firefighters will conduct a major hazard reduction operation at Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill, today from 9am.
Acting Western Sydney Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Alex Scott, said the hazard reduction would cover 10ha and involve 50 firefighters from seven FRNSW and three NSW RFS crews.
“FRNSW is undertaking this hazard reduction, in conjunction with the NSW RFS and Hills Shire Council, as part of ongoing bushfire prevention work,” Chief Superintendent Scott said.
“This burn is a priority for the state’s fire authorities due to the high fuel load in the area making it a bushfire risk.
“There may be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel and Showground and Gilbert roads are likely to be affected.
“Residents in the area should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency. The reserve will be closed to the public for the day however the basketball stadium will remain open.”
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 clothes lines
- 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. If a 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