IF you see flames lighting up the night sky at Blueys Beach on Saturday night (October 18) it could just be a planned hazard reduction burn.
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That's because Rural Fire Service crews will be conducting a hazard reduction burn of bushland at the western end of Headland Road on Saturday night.
Working with eight tanker units, volunteers from RFS brigades at Pacific Palms, Tuncurry, Bungwahl and Coomba Park will begin the burn at 5pm and expect to work through until midnight.
Because the section of coastal scrub has not been burnt for some years and contains a heavy fuel loading, cooler temperatures at night allow for more effective control measures.
South-east winds should carry smoke from the hazard reduction away from residential areas but residents in the area are advised to keep windows shut. Drivers in the area are also reminded to allow for reduced visibility.
A glow from the fire will be visible from some distance.
This hazard reduction is one of a number being carried out the Gloucester-Great Lakes area to prepare for what could be a challenging bushfire season ahead.
Even where hazard reductions have been carried out, residents of areas adjacent to bushland are reminded to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan and to ensure their property is adequately prepared.