Hazard Reduction Burn in Mahons Creek and Lynches Creek

The NSW RFS Hawkesbury District unit advises residents about the Hazard Reduction burn that will take place west of Yarramundi in the vicinity of Springwood Ridge and Lynches Creek starting on Monday, 29 April 2024. 

According to the RFS, the Hazard Reduction burn will take two days to implement and to take advantage of favourable weather conditions. In addition, the crew reminds the community that smoke will be visible in the area throughout the reduction burn.

The coverage of the burn is estimated to be at around 600 ha. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will support the RFS during the event. 

The burn will be divided into two stages: the first part will cover an area as far as Springwood Ridge in the north, Grose Head South Lookout in the west, and Blue Gum Swamp Creek in the south. Stage 2 will cover the area within and surrounding Lynches Creek.

NSW RFS firefighters and crews are undertaking numerous hazard reduction burns across the state, such as on the South Coast, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Narrabri, Warrumbungle, and Sydney regions. 

In a Hazard Reduction Smoke Advisory on Sunday, 28 April, the RFS mentioned that a forecast of light winds and overnight inversions will see residual smoke from the reduction burns settle in areas such as in the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney on Sunday evening until Monday morning. 

However, due to the light winds, smoke may persist in parts of Greater Sydney until Tuesday, when a change and possible showers are forecast. 

On Saturday, 27 April, RFS crews conducted a low-intensity prescribed burn of 86 ha near Whitehall Road in Kenthurst. The burn is expected to be finished on Monday, 29 April. 

As per the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council in its Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2024, fire service crews have been initiating prescribed burns during the season to take advantage of generally favourable weather conditions. 

Hazard burns are being done to lessen the chance of fires to occur. The RFS shares some tips on protecting oneself from smoke:

• 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