Hazard reduction burn may cause smoke to drift across Newell Highway
Forests NSW is planning to conduct a hazard reduction burn within the Pilliga State Forest during the next week, which may cause smoke to drift across the Newell Highway.
Forests NSW senior forester based at Baradine, Gary Miller, said the burn area was located 30km’s south of Narrabri and would be conducted on either side of the Newell Highway.
"The burn will assist in reducing the fire hazard adjacent to the Newell Highway and is very important for this area as it has a history of recent large wildfires," Mr Miller said.
He said the size of the proposed burn was about 1500 hectares.
"Forests NSW will endeavor to minimize smoke across the highway; however this will be dependant upon the prevailing wind direction at the time of the burn.
"The area on the highway will be well signposted warning oncoming traffic of the potential smoke hazard.
"Forests NSW advises drivers to proceed with caution when entering the hazard reduction burn," Mr Miller said.
He said conditions were currently favorable for the burn, therefore Forests NSW wanted to take advantage of this small window of opportunity and complete this important operation.
The burn will be attended by Forests NSW crews and plant and may involve the use of a helicopter to assist with aerial incendiary works.