Hazard reductions continue in Sydney basin
Published: 28th May 2014
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with Warringah and Sutherland councils, will undertake hazard reduction operations in Sydney’s northern and southern suburbs today.
FRNSW Bushfire Team Leader, Superintendent Steve Moran, said fire authorities were continuing to take advantage of the mild weather conditions and conduct the burns in preparation for the bushfire season.
“These hazard reductions are a priority for the state’s authorities due to the fuel load in the areas making them a bushfire risk,” he said.
Today’s hazard reduction burns will be held at Jindabyne Reserve, Epping Drive, Frenchs Forest (1.54ha) and in Phoenix Place, Illawong (0.7ha). Ignition will start between 10.30am and 11am.
“There will be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel,” Superintendent Moran said.
“Residents in these areas should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.”
Residents in the affected 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