State Forests conducts hazard reduction burns near Towamba

If you see smoke near Towamba tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) it is most probably State Forests conducting hazard reduction burns west of the township as part of its annual hazard reduction program.

State Forests regional resource protection manager Mr Ivan Gorman said the objective of the burns was to reduce fuels both within and adjacent to the pine plantation at Towamba State Forest.

State Forests will have approximately six personnel, a tanker and two slip-on units in attendance at the hazard reduction burns.

Mr Gorman said it was important to reduce fuel in this area as it was adjacent to pine plantation and could pose a hazard during extreme fire weather.

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

Mr Gorman 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,” he said.

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

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