State Forests plans hazard reduction burn near Bombala

If you see smoke near Bombala tomorrow (Wednesday 10 March) it is most probably State Forests conducting a burn nine kilometres south east of the township as part of its annual hazard reduction program.

State Forests regional Resource Protection Manager Ivan Gorman said the burn would be weather dependent and would commence at about 10 am with the objective of reducing fuel in 100 hectares of Coolangubra State Forest.

State Forest will have approximately eight personnel, two tankers and two slip-on units involved in the operation.

“It is important to reduce fuel in this area as it is surrounded by radiate pine plantation and could pose a danger to this valuable resource during extreme fire weather,” Mr Gorman said.

“Hazard reduction burns at this time of the year take advantage of favourable weather conditions to reduce fuel loads and to ensure fires were totally extinguished before next summer.”

He said each burn was carefully planned with the environmental impact carefully assessed.

“Before a burn, State Forests makes sure it monitors weather forecasts and conditions on the day, and also ensures there is adequate fire-fighting equipment and personnel in case things don’t go to plan,” Mr Gorman said.

District Bushfire Management Committees approve all State Forests’ hazard reduction burns.

Media contact: Ivan Gorman on (02) 6458 3177.