Hawkesbury residents near Roberts Creek at Blaxlands Ridge are once again advised that a Hazard Reduction (HR) burn will commence on Saturday, 7 September.
The burn will begin on Saturday morning and is expected to continue throughout the day until Sunday, the NSW Rural Fire Service – Hawkesbury District said.
The burn area encompasses an area of approximately 132.42 hectares and will be executed by a combined force from the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure – Crown Lands, Private, and the NSW RFS.
While Hazard Reduction burns do not fully extinguish the threat of fire, they are still done to limit its possibility of spreading further should it occur.
Smoke will be visible in the location during the HR. Residents near the area are advised to follow these steps during the Hazard Reduction burn:
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering homes
- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from clotheslines
- Ensure pets have a protected area
- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high, and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice
For health information relating to smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.
On Thursday, 5 September, a smaller burn was conducted at Irwins Road at East Kurrajong.
Last week, crews also executed a burn at Roberts Creek and Bravo Hazard on 31 August.
As the weather changes, the RFS will be holding its yearly ‘Get Ready Weekend’, hosting a wide range of events, programs, and gatherings to prepare and be aware of the upcoming bushfire season. Residents will gain insights into creating their own Bush Fire Survival Plan.
‘Get Ready Weekend’ events will be held at over 500 locations across NSW from 21 to 22 September.
