Residents in the lower Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury areas are being advised to prepare for smoke impacts as a large hazard reduction burn gets underway in the Blue Mountains National Park this weekend.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by the NSW Rural Fire Service, will conduct a 2,100-hectare burn from Sunday 3 May through to Tuesday 5 May, approximately 1.5 kilometres west of Bowen Mountain.
The operation is aimed at reducing fuel loads and improving fire protection for the Bowen Mountain community ahead of future bushfire seasons.
Smoke expected across the region
Authorities have warned that lower mountains communities may experience smoke impacts, particularly on Sunday and Monday.
Weather conditions are expected to assist in managing smoke levels, with north-easterly winds forecast to help clear smoke from the basin throughout Sunday in the Bowen Mountain area.
Residents are advised to:
- Keep windows and doors closed where possible
- Limit outdoor activity if smoke levels increase
- Monitor local conditions through official channels
Trail closures in place
For public safety, access to parts of the national park will be restricted during the operation.
The following areas will be closed:
- Paterson Range Fire Trail
- Donnas Trail
These areas will reopen once they have been assessed as safe.
Health advice for vulnerable residents
People with existing health conditions are encouraged to take extra precautions and stay informed about air quality conditions.
Residents can register to receive:
- Air quality reports
- Forecasts and alerts via email or SMS
through the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Additional health advice is available from NSW Health and Asthma Australia.
Staying informed
Authorities are urging residents to stay up to date with hazard reduction activities and local conditions through:
- The NSW Rural Fire Service website
- The Hazards Near Me website and app
Preparing for the season ahead
Hazard reduction burns are a key part of bushfire risk management across the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains, particularly as communities continue to face increasing fire risks.
While smoke and temporary closures can be inconvenient, authorities say these planned burns play an important role in protecting lives and property in the long term.
