THE hazard reduction burn that commenced last night in Cairncross State Forest along the Pacific Highway north of Port Macquarie has created a 'spectacular' haze.
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Forestry Corporation of NSW used a small window of time to clear 'very heavy elevated fuels' just north of the Cairncross Waste Management Centre that is causing a highly visible column of haze, confirmed Protection Forester Mick Wilson.
Mr Wilson said a number of fires had already ignited or escaped into State Forests near Wauchope and Kempsey over the past couple of weeks.
“We had to delay our hazard reduction burning through winter due to a combination of very dry conditions, strong winds and a run of early fires escaping into the region’s forests.
"Our crews extinguished two fires in State Forests near Kempsey last weekend,” Mr Wilson said. “The light rains last week have presented us a narrow window of opportunity to complete this hazard reduction burn.
“While Forestry Corporation fire fighters will be carefully monitoring the fire to ensure they stay within cleared containment lines, we do ask people to stay away from any burning or recently burnt areas for their own safety.
“Working in conjunction with the Traffic Management Centre we will place signs along the Pacific Highway when the burn is underway and we ask motorists to take particular care when driving in smoky conditions, particularly around Telegraph Point”
For more information about hazard reduction burns in your area, click here.
Source: Wauchope Gazette
