A hazard reduction burn has reduced fuel loads in a western NSW cypress forest.

The two-day burn in Clandulla State Forest, south-east of Mudgee, was undertaken by Forestry Corporation’s Western Region firefighters with the assistance of NSW Rural Fire Service crews.

Forestry Corporation’s Cypress Production and Fire Manager Conan Rossler said the operation aims to protect the Clandulla community from future bushfires.

“The objective of the hazard reduction burn was to significantly reduce fuel loads in a part of Clandulla State Forest that is situated very close to the Clandulla village,” Mr Rossler said.

“These fuel loads have been a longstanding concern for both residents of the village and the RFS and would have potentially presented a real threat in an uncontrolled wildfire situation.

“Weather conditions were near perfect with easterly winds taking the smoke away from the village and the fire reducing fuel loads very effectively.

“It was a great example of what can be achieved by combining interagency resources – local RFS crews together with highly experienced and skilled FCNSW firefighters,” he said.

The first day of the burn was a combined effort involving RFS crews and FCNSW crews supported by heavy plant machinery including a dozer and front end loader from Baradine.

Forest sections along Bylong Valley Road were completed before Forestry Corporation crews spent the second day completing the burn.

Forestry Corporation manages two million hectares of NSW State forests and serves as one of the state’s four firefighting authorities.

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