Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is carrying out a hazard reduction burn in the Southern Highlands now, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to reduce the fuel load ahead of summer.
Heavy rains and flooding since the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20 have accelerated the growth of rural grasslands, particularly west of the Great Dividing Range. They have also limited the window available for firefighting hazard reduction operations ahead of the fire season.
FRNSW safeguarding areas
The operation has focused on burning heavy fuel loads around Greyladys Lane at Mittagong
Bushfire Commander, Superintendent, Scott Donohoe, said, "FRNSW is stepping up its efforts to reduce as much of the fuel load as possible to minimize the impact of the predicted summer bushfire risks."
He adds, "We are also assisting other agencies' operations with our fleet of four-wheel drive Bushfire Tankers, able to negotiate rugged terrain off fire trails."
FRNSW has responsibility for safeguarding areas where bushland meets urban areas, and the operation has focused on burning heavy fuel loads around Greyladys Lane at Mittagong.
Upcoming bushfire season
Residents are urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season by:
- Ensuring they have a Bushfire survival plan,
- Downloading and monitoring the Hazards Near Me app for major bushfire updates, and
- Clearing and removing fuel loads or built-up materials around the property.
