Smoke haze blankets parts of Hervey Bay

THE smoke haze that blanketed parts of Hervey Bay on Sunday was from planned burns throughout the northern end of Fraser Island.

THE smoke haze that blanketed parts of Hervey Bay on Sunday was from planned burns throughout the northern end of Fraser Island. 

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct planned burns on the island up until July 31, weather permitting. 

The burns are part of  the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests.

Smoke may be seen in the Northern Fraser Island area, including around Sandy Cape, Awinya, Wathumba, Orchid Beach, Waddy Point and Dundubara.

The aim of this burn is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.

This will help reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.

Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads so it is important that motorists drive safely to the conditions.

For more information, please call QPWS on 13QGOV.