Forestry Corporation of NSW has completed a hazard reduction burning program in Benandarah State Forest to reduce fuel load after a recent harvesting operation.

The burning program saw around 115 ha burnt, representing around 70 per cent of the harvested area, said Forestry Corporation’s Protection Supervisor Julian Armstrong.

“Hazard reduction burning programs are highly weather dependent, so we burnt this area in five separate days over a three-week window,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We used Rural Fire Service smoke modelling, day temperatures and moisture levels to plan and implement the program with the least impact on neighbouring areas.

“Ultimately though we have been able to run a successful hazard reduction burn to reduce the fuels loads over a large area in the forest.”

Locals are also encouraged to seek firewood permits for unburnt areas in the harvest site.

“Firewood collectors have been able to access the unburnt area north of Shannons road to take advantage of this resource, further reducing the fuel load,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We’ve issued permits for well over 500 tonnes of firewood for the harvested section of the Benandarah State Forest over recent months to help communities manage through winter.

“Permits are still available from the Forestry Corporation website for the remaining area.”

To get a permit for firewood collection or find out more about fire management on NSW State forests, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549