Residents living near Eden and Pambula may notice smoke from two hazard reduction burns that are planned in the Nullica State Forest during March and April.

The Bimmil Loop, north-west of Eden, and the Goshawk Rd, Pambula Goldmines, hazard reduction burns are scheduled to occur, pending weather conditions, and may produce smoke for up to two weeks after ignition.

The Goshawk Rd burn will be highly visible for the localities of South Pambula, Pambula, Merimbula, Nethercote, Lochiel, Back Creek, Greigs Flat, Yowaka, Broadwater and Eden.

The Bimmil Loop hazard reduction burn meanwhile will be highly visible for the localities of Eden, Nethercote and Boydtown.

Forestry Corporation is staging the prescribed burns to reduce bushfire hazard in the state forest.

Forestry Corporation’s Area Manager for Eden, Jarod Addinsall said hazard reduction burning in these areas will help protect the surrounding communities from potential future wildfire.

“These burns will be conducted under suitable weather conditions to mitigate the impact of smoke on our neighbours. However, this may not be achievable in all cases given the close proximity of residential areas to the forest, so there may be smoke hanging over the coastline and hinterland depending on wind conditions,” Mr Addinsall said.

“It is therefore recommended that homes and businesses ensure that all windows and doors are closed during the time of smoke settlement, which is generally during the night and early morning hours.

“This is particularly important for local residents who are sensitive to smoke or may have respiratory conditions,” he said.

Motorists are advised to slow down and drive to the conditions as smoke may affect visibility particularly on Nethercote Road, Back Creek Road, Mt Darragh Road and sections of the Princes Highway.

“Forestry Corporation firefighters will be carefully monitoring the controlled burns to ensure fire stays within containment lines, and we ask that the public pays attention to road signs and instructions from staff to stay away from burnt areas for their own safety,” Mr Addinsall said.

“We have had a really wet and mild summer on the south coast so far, and the window of opportunity to complete these hazard reduction burns is really quite short, so we will have to seize the opportunity when the timing is right to ensure this hazard reduction is completed,” he said.

Forestry Corporation will notify the community and local media when the hazard reduction burns are underway.

If you require further information on these operations; please contact the regional office on  
1300 880 845 during business hours.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation’s firefighting efforts at www.forestrycorporation.com.au