Hazard reduction burning is continuing across parts of the Upper Hunter, with the NSW Rural Fire Service taking advantage of favourable autumn conditions.
Planned burns have successfully been carried out all week, with another 20‑hectare hazard reduction scheduled for Saturday near the New England Highway at Camberwell. The burns are being managed by crews from the Bulga Rural Fire Service.
RFS operational officer Tim Cassar said the timing follows a challenging summer period that included both wet weather and wildfire activity, limiting opportunities to safely conduct hazard reduction.
“Hazard reductions are planned events that are done to a tight prescription,” he said.
“We need to make sure the temperature, wind and relative humidity are right so the fire will carry, but not so much that it becomes unsafe.”
Community members, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, are being advised to limit their exposure to smoke and remain indoors where possible. Anyone experiencing adverse symptoms is urged to seek medical advice.
The RFS is also reminding residents to avoid unnecessary calls to triple zero when smoke is visible without signs of an unattended fire. Up‑to‑date information on hazard reduction activity is available via the Hazards Near Me website and app, which also lists burns conducted by other land management agencies.
