Pilliga burn-off to protect properties
A LARGE hazard reduction burn in the Pilliga Nature Reserve this week is aimed at creating a deep fuel-reduced area in its south-eastern area.
The burn will involve the use of a helicopter, says National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) regional manager Rob Smith.
“The burn may be visible from Gunnedah and Coonabarabran as it is quite large in scale,” he says.
“We will be lighting up from the ground on day one and then using aerial incendiaries dropped from a helicopter to deepen the area of the burn.
“The intention is to create a 1km deep, fuel-reduced area that’s 50km long and totals over 4000 hectares.
“A primary aim is to protect neighbouring properties in the south-eastern Pilliga should a wildfire occur.
“The burn is being conducted by NPWS-trained fire-fighters and is part of the New South Wales Government’s $62 million package to boost bushfire preparedness,” Mr Smith says. | 
Regional
