Hazard reductions at Morisset
Published: 13th August 2015
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), with assistance from the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), will undertake hazard reduction operations at Morisset this week, pending favourable conditions.
Today, Thursday, 13 August, six FRNSW crews and three NSW RFS crews will carry out a 7.5ha hazard reduction off Campview Rd, near Fishery Point Rd, at Morisset. This will be followed by a smaller hazard reduction (3ha) in the same vicinity tomorrow.
FRNSW Newcastle Acting Zone Commander, Superintendent Dirk Spek, said fire authorities were taking advantage of the weather conditions and carrying out the burn in preparation for the bushfire season.
"FRNSW and the NSW RFS are using combined resources and are working together to ensure this hazard reduction burn is completed in a fast, safe and efficient manner," he said.
“This hazard reduction is a priority for the state’s authorities due to the high fuel load in the area making it a bushfire risk.
“Residents in these areas should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.”
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
• Remove washing from clotheslines
• Ensure pets have a protected area
• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
• Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.
• Smoke will be visible for up to 24 hours after the burn
A full list of hazard reductions is available on the RFS website – www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr