A hazard reduction burn covering close to 1,000 hectares will take place in Jacks Creek State Forest south of Narrabri if conditions are suitable next week.

Forestry Corporation of NSW District Manager for the Northern Cypress District, Conan Rossler, advised that the hazard reduction burn in this area had been planned up following concerns raised by neighbours to the north of Scratch Road.

“This hazard reduction burn is expected to significantly reduce fuel loads in the target area. Fuel loads have been building up over the last few years so we are looking to reduce the fuel load in this section of Jacks Creek State Forest,” Mr Rossler said.

“There’s typically 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 other forest users may notice smoke. We remind people to take note of any relevant signage in the forest 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.

“A significant amount of preparation has taken place ahead of the planned burn with a grader having ensured all adjacent roads and potential fall-back lines are up to standard.

“In addition NSW Rural Fire Service mitigation crews out of Coonabarabran and Tamworth have been assisting with activities ahead of the burn and have also been made available to help carry out the burn together with Forestry Corporation crews and plant.”

Hazard reduction burns are weather dependent. Up-to-date information about the hazard reduction burn will be available on the NSW RFS Fires Near Me website and app.

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