Residents are advised that smoke from a National Parks and Wildlife Service hazard reduction burns may drift over parts of Ulladulla by late tomorrow (Friday May 17).
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning two large hazard reduction burns at Stoney Hill in Morton National Park, east of Sassafras on Braidwood Road, and at Touga, north of Nerriga tomorrow (Friday 17 May) weather permitting.
Smoke from the burn program tomorrow will be visible along Braidwood Road and may drift over parts of Ulladulla by the late afternoon.
A third smaller burn will also be held beside Erowal Bay in Jervis Bay National Park.
The Stoney Hill burn will cover about 2,000 hectares, and the Touga burn will cover about 1,600 hectares.
Both burns will see the closure of parts of Morton National Park for bush walking and other activities during and after the burn to ensure visitor safety.
NPWS Shoalhaven Area Manager Michael Phelan said the burns will help protect the Shoalhaven area around Morton National Park and limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties.
The third smaller hazard reduction burn conducted beside the village of Erowal Bay, in Jervis Bay National Park, will cover about 3.8 hectares.
This burn is designed to provide a strategic advantage against wild fire and protect houses adjoining the Park.
"The burns will begin at around 10am and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe any warning signs or directions from fire crews," Mr Phelan said.
"Tianjara Fire Trail in Moreton National Park remains closed to public vehicle access, and will be closed to walkers and mountain bike riders for the duration of the burn.
"We thank our neighbours for their understanding.
"People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors."
Visitors planning a trip to the Shoalhaven area of Morton National Park are advised to check the NPWS website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for information on closures and updates on the timing of the burn.
The proposed burn will be part of hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).
This work is occurring under the NSW Government's $76 million package, over six years, to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the state's national parks, where conditions allow.
For health information on smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
More information on hazard reduction activities can be found www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and the RFS "Fires Near Me" app.
For public enquiries on the planned burns, please contact the NPWS Ulladulla office on 454 9500.
