Hazard reduction at Middle Head
Published: 6th August 2014
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Defence, will undertake hazard reduction operations at Middle Head, Mosman, today (Wednesday, 6. August).
FRNSW North Shore and Northern Beaches Zone Commander, Superintendent Kel McNamara, said fire authorities were continuing to take advantage of the weather conditions and conduct the burns in preparation for the bushfire season.
"FRNSW and NPWS are using combined resources and are working together to ensure these hazard reduction burns are completed in a fast, safe and efficient manner," he said.
“These hazard reductions are a priority for the state’s authorities due to the fuel load in the areas making them a bushfire risk.”
Today’s hazard reduction burns will be held at Cobblers Track, off Middle Head Rd (3ha) and at HMAS Penguin (1.4ha). Ignition will start about 10am and the operation will involve five FRNSW fire trucks as well as a number of NPWS firefighting vehicles.
“There will be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel,” Superintendent McNamara 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