Roads closed as hazard reductions burns fire up Coffs Coast
Keep the undies, sheets and active wear off the Hills hoist - unless you pine a bushy scent as firefighters swing into action this morning with drip torches. Here’s what’s happening.
Coffs Harbour
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It will be smoke, not rolling fog, in parts of Coffs Harbour on Saturday morning as National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff light up a string of burns on the Coffs Coast.
NPWS will conduct four hazard reduction burns - in Bongil Bongil and Yarriabini national parks.
Two burns in Bongil Bongil, totalling 60 hectares, are aimed to protect residential areas in Repton and Bundagen, and the North Coast rail line.
The other burns, in Yarriabini National Park, totalling 112 hectares, strive to shield residential areas in Grassy Head and Yarrahpinni.
Twenty NPWS staff supported by the NSW Rural Fire Service, will throw the diesel about and mop up and patrol continuing into early next week.
In Bongil Bongil, Burma, Old Coast and Archers roads will be periodically closed during the operation.
In Yarriabini, Grassy Head Forest Trail and North Kinki Trail will be closed.
Walking track and trail closures will also be required in both parks for the duration of the burns.
Smoke may be visible to residents in areas surrounding the burns.
People vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.
National Parks says hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities.
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.
People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Planning and Environment.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.
More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government Hazards Near Me website and app.
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