Hazard reductions across Sydney area this week

Published: 8th October 2014

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with local councils and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), will undertake several hazard reduction operations across Sydney this week pending favourable conditions.
Starting today [8 October] at South Turramurra, there will be seven hazard reductions throughout the week at Sutherland, Wollstonecraft, Castlecrag, Belrose, Manly Vale and Allambie Heights.
FRNSW Bushfire Team Leader, Inspector Steven Moran, said overnight rain would not affect today's hazard reduction at South Turramurra and firefighters would continue to conduct burns this week in preparation for the bushfire season.
"FRNSW is working with the relevant local governments, the NSW Rural Fire Service and other agencies to ensure these hazard reduction burns are completed in a fast, safe and efficient manner," he said.
"These hazard reductions are a priority due to the high fuel load in the area making it a bushfire risk."
Specific details on hazard reductions are as follows:

Today [8 October], three FRNSW fire trucks will assist Ku-ring-gai Council to conduct a 5ha hazard reduction at Step Track, off Canoon Rd at South Turramurra.
On Thursday [9 October], 10 FRNSW fire trucks will assist Sutherland Shire Council to conduct a 7ha hazard reduction at Rata Place, Sutherland.
On Thursday [9 October], three FRNSW fire trucks will assist Willoughby City Council to conduct a hazard reduction at Castlecrag off Edinburgh Rd.
On Friday [10 October], three FRNSW fire trucks will assist North Sydney Council to conduct a 1ha hazard reduction at Badangi Reserve off Cable St at Wollstonecraft.
On Friday evening [10 October], four FRNSW fire trucks and five NSW RFS tankers will assist Warringah Council to conduct a 4ha hazard reduction on Narabang Way near Forest Way at Belrose.
On Friday evening [10 October], three FRNSW fire trucks and five NSW RFS tankers will conduct a hazard reduction at Manly Vale Public School off King St.
On Saturday [11 October], eight FRNSW fire trucks and five NSW RFS tankers will assist Warringah Council to conduct an 11ha hazard reduction at Allambie Park East off Allenby Park Parade at Allambie Heights.

The hazard reductions are expected to produce a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel.
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