Werakata State Conservation Area hazard reduction burn

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a hazard reduction burn in Werakata State Conservation Area on Monday 2 September, weather permitting.

The 113-hectare burn will occur adjacent to the township of Kitchener and the operation is expected to take 2 to 3 days, including mop up and patrol operations.

The low intensity burn aims to reduce fuel loads in the conservation area to assist in the protection of the town from future bushfires.

Smoke is likely to impact residents in Kitchener. People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.

Poppet Head Park will be closed for the duration of the burn, including the walking track loop around Kitchener Dam.

Traffic control will be in place on Cessnock Street. Motorists are advised to use caution, follow the directions of staff and drive to conditions.

Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.

People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air-quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. For health information relating to smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burns, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia.

More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government's Hazards Near Me website and app.