NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector for the Great Lakes GLoucester region Darrin Briggs said crews will undertake controlled burns in the vicinity of Corrigans Lane, Darawank, starting at 10am on Synday (May 22). 

The hazard reduction operation is expected to finish around 9pm the same day. 

NSW RFS crews are carrying out these important controlled burns in preparation for the upcoming Bush Fire Danger Period.   

In recent days a hazard reduction burn in the Nerong area has been generating a thick plume of smoke.

“Hazard reduction is a vital element in helping to reduce the intensity of bush fires,” Inspector Darrin Briggs said. 

“This controlled burn will help protect properties and assets in the Darawank and Black Head area and also assist firefighters to control any future bush fires. 

“This operation is an important part of our local Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and there will be further controlled burns in the Smiths Lake, North Arm Cove area in the near future.” 

Inspector Darrin Briggs said the success of hazard reduction burns depends largely on the weather and that favorable conditions are forecast for hazard reduction burns to be undertaken. 

“Each year there is only a small window of opportunity where weather conditions are conducive to completing controlled burns,” Inspector Darrin Briggs said. 

“For a hazard reduction burn to be successful we require the right wind and temperature conditions and for ground fuels to be sufficiently dry." 

Inspector Darrin Briggs advises local residents to take appropriate precautions during the hazard reduction operation. 

“This includes keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clothes lines and making sure pets are kept in a protected area,” Inspector Darrin Briggs  said. 

“Motorists in the area should slow down and take extra care if driving through smoke, keep windows up and turn their headlights on.”