Forestry Corporation of NSW has started its annual program of cool burning to reduce the forest fuel load and reduce the risk of summer bushfires.

The hazard reduction burning program is an essential part of Forestry Corporation’s bushfire management program and will see around 10,000 hectares burnt across South Coast State forests in coming months.

Protection Supervisor, Julian Armstrong said the organisation has planned hazard reduction burns in forests throughout the region and would closely monitor the local weather and fuel moisture to pinpoint the right time to start each burn.

“We’ve been preparing plans to complete around 10,000 hectares of hazard reduction burns in South Coast State forests this year,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Planning hazard reduction burning is complex, but with precise fire science and monitoring we can pinpoint the right times and places to get some nice low intensity burns happening ahead of fire season.

“We’ve used sophisticated laser imagery to detect areas carrying high fuel loads, as well as traditional methods of field fuel assessment and community consultation, to select the locations for this year’s burns.

“Our professionally trained firefighting workforce will ensure the control lines around each planned burn are accessible, safe and drained.”

People living and travelling near South Coast state forests may see smoke in the area and should take precautions.

All hazard reduction burns carried out by Forestry Corporation will be visible on the Rural Fire Service’s Fires Near Me app as planned events.

Protection Manager, Karel Zejbrilk said the hazard reduction burns were an important part of Forestry Corporation’s fire season preparations each year.

“Our main objective is to reduce the intensity and severity of wildfires and protect communities and the environment,” Mr Zejbrilk said.

“The hazard reduction burns will be carefully monitored to ensure they stay within cleared containment lines, and people should stay away from any burning or recently burnt areas for their own safety.  Motorists should also take particular care when driving in smoky conditions.”

For more information about hazard reduction burns, look up the Rural Fire Service’s Fires Near Me app or visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549