The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in conjunction with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), commenced a program of three hazard reduction burns across the greater Sydney region over the weekend (6 August).
NPWS said the Porto Ridge hazard reduction burn within Ku-Ring-Gai National Park ran until 8 August, with mopping-up operations expected to conclude this week.
It said the large, 1,600-hectare burn, between Jerusalem Bay in the south and Brooklyn in the north, was undertaken to the west of the M1 and Pacific Highway.
“These hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect the parks, neighbours and communities from summer bushfires,” NPWS said.
The Service said a second burn over the weekend took place near McMasters Beach in Bouddi National Park to help protect private property and Little Beach Campground infrastructure.
It said a third, 274-hectare burn at Duckponds, Canoelands took place on Monday (9 August), with mopping up operations expected to be completed today (11 August).
“Hazard reductions are an essential activity under the current Public Health Orders and will be conducted in a COVID-19 safe manner to ensure the safety of fire crews and the community,” NPWS said.
It said COVID-19 safety briefings were provided to all staff, who were required to wear masks along with their normal fire personal protective equipment.
