Forests NSW is preparing to embark on its annual fuel reduction and site preparation burning program around Tumut, Tumbarumba and Batlow during periods of suitable weather.

Forests NSW Resource and Protection manager Charlie Taylor said the autumn burns, totalling approximately 6500 hectares this year, were scheduled to start toward the end of March and, weather permitting, and would conclude at the end of May.

"There is a limited window of opportunity to burn when it’s not too hot or too wet, and we need a couple of days of fine weather in a row before we can burn," he said.

"If people see smoke in the region in the next few months, it may well be a hazard reduction burn."

Mr Taylor said the main objective of the burns was to reduce fuels at different locations around the region.

"By conducting cooler controlled burns now to reduce fuel levels, we provide a safer environment for firefighters to confidently control wildfires, and minimise their size during summer.

"We make efforts to minimise the inconvenience caused by smoke. To help us achieve this, we receive special fire weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology to determine prevailing winds, which assists us in carrying out the burn with the least impact.

"However at times, despite our best efforts, smoke will drift into neighbouring communities and settle in low"lying areas," he said.

Burning will be taking place in Munderoo and Carabost State Forest near Tumbarumba, Green Hills and Bago State Forest near Batlow, and Buccleuch State Forest north of Tumut.

A small burn is also planned for Tumut State Forest near the golf club to reduce fuel build up and assist in the control of noxious and environmental weeds.

"As usual, Forests NSW will be providing considerable resources to effectively complete the hazard reduction program, small earthmoving plant, fire tankers and experienced fire"fighting personnel," Mr Taylor said.

He said each burn was carefully planned and the environmental impact carefully assessed. District Bushfire Management Committees approve all Forests NSW hazard reduction burns.

Media contact: Sarah Chester, (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669