A hazard reduction burn will take place this week and next week in up to 300 hectares of Benandarah State Forest, west of the Princes Highway near Cullendulla.

Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Protection Supervisor Julian Armstrong advised that a section of the forest would be closed for firewood collection until it is made safe and reminded local residents and motorists on the Princes Highway to be aware of smoke during the next few days.

“This hazard reduction burn will reduce fuel left over after recent harvesting operations, such as leaves and small limbs, create a rich seed bed that promotes forest regrowth and provide protection to adjoining private properties,” Mr Armstrong said.

“There’s a narrow window of opportunity to safely complete hazard reduction burns, when it’s not too hot or damp and the wind conditions limit the impact of smoke on neighbours.

“While we have carefully planned the burn in line with forecast weather conditions, residents and motorists may notice smoke. We remind people to drive to the conditions and thank the community for their patience and understanding during this important work.

“This will be a controlled, low intensity burn and Forestry Corporation fire fighters will carefully monitor it to ensure it stays within containment lines.

“We have delayed this burn as long as possible to allow community members the opportunity to collect firewood, which the community has really embraced in recent weeks. We have issued permits for close to 500 tonnes of firewood from this part of Benandarah State Forest, around half of which were in the past month.

“If you have not yet collected your firewood from this part of the forest, unfortunately you will need to wait until the forest has is safe to reopen after the completion of this hazard reduction burn, as the forest will now be closed over the coming weeks for your safety.  However, there are other sections of Benandarah state forest which are still open for firewood collection.

“Firewood collection will be possible after the hazard reduction burn is completed and the area made safe, and while the logs will be charred on the outside they are still suitable for firewood. People looking to collect firewood must get a permit on our website.

To arrange a firewood permit, visit our permits page. For more information about hazard reduction burns, contact the Forestry Corporation Batemans Bay Office on 1300 880 548.

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