Motorists throughout the Lower Hunter will probably notice smoke billowing from the Stockrington State Conservation Area (SCA) this week.
But, don’t be alarmed.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is undertaking a two-day hazard reduction burn, starting from Tuesday 29 August.
The 40-hectare operation will encourage biodiversity by prompting regrowth and germination of key native plant species, and reduce bushfire risk to nearby Seahampton village, wildlife and cultural heritage.
With the support of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and Transport NSW, NPWS is taking advantage of a small window of opportunity to conduct the burn following a number of wet years.
Anyone travelling in the area, particularly along the M1, Hunter Expressway and George Booth Drive near Seahampton, is advised to drive to conditions and respect any temporary traffic control measures that may be in place.
To ensure public safety, the burn area north of Seahampton village in Stockrington SCA will remain closed for a number of days from Tuesday.
It’ll reopen once the area has been assessed as safe and any tree hazards managed.
People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.
Regular monitoring of weather and fire-ground conditions enables NPWS to adjust planning leading up to and immediately prior to the start of every hazard reduction burn, which is essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads.
This operation is one of many undertaken by NPWS each year.
People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Planning and Environment.
More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government Hazards Near Me website/app and on NPWS Alerts website.
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