Forestry Corporation of NSW is starting hazard reduction burning near Merimbula on Sunday, June 4, to help protect forests and neighbouring private property against wildfires.

Smoke may be visible in Yurramie State Forest and from surrounding areas, including the Princes Highway, Mt Darragh Road, Chalkhills Road and the towns of Merimbula and Pambula.

The burn is happening approximately three kilometres west of Merimbula and plans to treat 950 hectares of bushland.

Autumn and Winter are the key seasons to reduce the forest’s fuel load and help protect communities and the environment against bushfires, said Forestry Corporation Protection Supervisor, Peter Carstairs.

“We had a very mild fire season, so it’s now time to start preparing for next summer,” Mr Carstairs said.

The hazard reduction burns are visible on the “Fires Near Me” app as a planned event.

Forestry Corporation firefighters will carefully monitor all controlled burns to ensure the weather is suitable and the burns stay within containment lines.

Forestry Corporation is responsible for more than 2.2 million hectares of native and planted forests and has been formally involved in firefighting in NSW for 100 years.

For more information about hazard reduction burns, contact the Forestry Corporation Batemans Bay Office on 1300 880 548.

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Matt Deans 0429 621 845