Nine hazard-reduction burns covering 6,445.4 hectares are listed as ready to proceed across the Hawkesbury, although weather, fuel moisture and the availability of firefighters will determine when the work can be undertaken.
The NSW Rural Fire Service’s August Hazard Reduction Brief identifies 32 proposed burns covering a total of 10,374 hectares across the Hawkesbury District.
Nine burns covering 6,445.4 hectares are listed as ready for favourable conditions. A further 23, covering 3,928.6 hectares, require additional planning, approvals or preparation.
Of the nine ready burns, the RFS is the lead agency for seven covering 22 hectares, while the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service leads two covering 6,423.4 hectares.
The district is entering its spring burning window, but suitable conditions can emerge at short notice. Planned burns may be postponed, changed or cancelled if conditions deteriorate.
The burns presently listed as ready are:
- Blax Ridge East 2 at Blaxlands Ridge: 254 hectares, led by NPWS;
- 417 at Wilberforce: 2.5 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Roach at Freemans Reach: 2.1 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Grech at Bilpin: 6.6 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Bowling Club Kurrajong Heights: 2 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Horse Paddock at Grose Vale: 2.3 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Station South at Grose Vale: 4 hectares, led by the RFS;
- Grassy Hill at Colo Heights: 6,169.4 hectares, led by NPWS; and
- Duffys at Grose Vale: 2.5 hectares, led by the RFS.
NPWS is the lead agency for the two largest burns. Their timing will depend on suitable weather and fuel conditions, operational scheduling and the availability of personnel and equipment.
Inclusion on the ready list does not mean a burn will proceed immediately. Wind, fuel moisture, likely smoke impacts, crew availability and competing emergencies can all delay a planned operation.
A further 23 burns remain in planning or preparation. The largest include:
- Lagoon Creek at Mountain Lagoon: 1,266 hectares;
- Lynches Creek at Yarramundi: 782.2 hectares;
- Berambing North, listed in the Bilpin area: 601.2 hectares;
- Burralow Road East at Kurrajong Heights: 361.7 hectares;
- Barnes West at Lower Portland: 210.6 hectares;
- Warks Hill at Kurrajong Heights: 170 hectares;
- Hebron at Lower Portland: 153 hectares; and
- Mahons Creek East at Yarramundi: 112.15 hectares.
Short weather windows can create substantial logistical challenges for volunteer brigades. Crews, appliances and support resources may need to be confirmed quickly once conditions become suitable.
Residents with questions about proposed burns can contact the Hawkesbury District Community Risk team at Hawkesbury@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Nearby residents are notified before hazard-reduction burns proceed. Notifications may include information about smoke, road impacts and temporary closures.
People with respiratory conditions should monitor official advice when burns are announced. Motorists should drive to the conditions if smoke reduces visibility.
