The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has advised that parts of the Black Mountain Nature Reserve are to be subject of a prescribed burn today (26 April).
The Service said 17.5 hectares of the Reserve on the eastern side between Barry Drive and Frith Road will be affected with the planned burn required to reduce fire hazards in the area as well as provide protection to nearby housing and the Australian Botanic Gardens.
“Experienced Parks fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operation,” the Service said in a notice.
“Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke (but) due to the nature of these burns, temporary smoke cover is possible and is likely to be visible across parts of Canberra.”
It said staff would continue to monitor the burn sites until smoke was not visible for 24 hours.
A buffer zone of up to 30 metres would also be created around the complete perimeter of every prescribed burn.
“People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke,” the Service said.
“People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties.”
It said a map showing the location of the burn sites was available on its website which could be accessed at this PS News link.
