If you see smoke north of Young and south of Cowra it will most probably be from a joint agency hazard reduction burn in Bendick Murrell State Forest, which has burnt almost 1000 hectares during the past week.

The hazard reduction burn by Forests NSW and the Rural Fire Service was begun on Tuesday 26 February.

Forests NSW Fire Management officer, Steve Brown, said on Tuesday afternoon (4 March) the fire jumped a containment line and has taken a number of days to bring under control.

"The fire is now contained, however hot dry windy conditions are forecast for at least the next two days, so fire crews will be keeping a vigilant eye on the fire," he said.

The fire that jumped the containment lines has burnt an additional 400 hectares not planned in the original hazard reduction burn.

"There is a limited window of opportunity for hazard reduction burns when it’s not too hot or too wet, and we took this opportunity to burn this area this year," Mr Brown said.

"There has been an 18 month planning process for this hazard reduction burn including a pubic consultation meeting. The intention of the burn was to protect the small township of Koorawatha half way between Young and Cowra.

"There has been excellent inter-agency cooperation in implementing the burn including the use of helicopters, water bombing planes from Cowra and a locally owned bulldozer."

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207669