NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) members will be conducting hazard reduction burns this weekend in the Lower Hunter area.
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NSW RFS Inspector Dave Millsteed said crews will undertake controlled burns in the vicinity of Heddon Greta, Bucketty, Pokolbin, Stockrington and Abermain, starting on Thursday, August 19 to Sunday, August 22.
NSW RFS and NPWS crews are carrying out these important controlled burns in preparation for the upcoming Bush Fire Danger Period.
"Hazard reduction is a vital element in helping to reduce the intensity of bush fires," Inspector Millsteed said.
"These controlled burns will help protect properties and assets in the Lower Hunter area and also assist firefighters to control any future bush fires.
"This operation is an important part of our local Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and there will be further controlled burns in the Lower Hunter District area in the near future."
Inspector Millsteed said the success of hazard reduction burns depends largely on the weather and that favorable conditions are forecast for this weekend.
"We are expecting increased westerly winds on Saturday and Monday and have increased our resources to these hazard reduction burns to complete them safely.
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"Given the forecast for increased winds on Saturday and Monday we are asking landholders to ensure they have adequate and functioning firefighting equipment on hand and follow the rules.
"Ensure you have adequate and functioning firefighting equipment on hand and follow the rules. "Each year there is only a small window of opportunity where weather conditions are conducive to completing controlled burns," Inspector Millsteed said.
"For a hazard reduction burn to be successful we require the right wind and temperature conditions and for ground fuels to be sufficiently dry.
Inspector Millsteed advises local residents to take appropriate precautions during the hazard reduction operation.
"This includes keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clothes lines and making sure pets are kept in a protected area," Inspector Millsteed said.
For more information contact the Lower Hunter Fire Control Centre on 02 4015 0000 For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
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