Major hazard reduction in Lane Cove Valley

Published: 28th October 2014

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighters plan to undertake a major hazard reduction in the Lane Cove Valley at Lady Game Drive, West Chatswood, on Wednesday, 29 October.

FRNSW Northern Suburbs Zone Commander, Superintendent Kel McNamara, said the hazard reduction would cover 8ha and involve 90 firefighters and senior officers, 10 FRNSW and five NPWS fire trucks, helicopters and other firefighting resources from Ku-ring-gai Council , the NSW Rural Fire Service and the State Rail Fire Service. Local FRNSW Community Fire Unit members who live in the area will also assist.

The operation, between Millwood Ave and Grosvenor Rd, is likely to take several hours. Lady Game Drive will be reduced to one lane between 10am and 3pm and properties in the Chatswood West and East Lindfield area will be affected by smoke.

"FRNSW and NPWS are undertaking this burn in preparation for the bushfire season," Superintendent McNamara said.

"This burn is a priority for the state's fire authorities due to the extremely high fuel load in the area making it a major bushfire risk. Homes were lost in this area during the devastating 1994 Sydney bushfires.

"There will be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel and helicopters will be used during the operation. Residents in the area should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency."

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 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.