The NSW Rural Fire Service Far West Team is advising that hazard reduction burning will be conducted within the township of Wilcannia beginning on the 4th August 2012. Burning activities will be conducted by the local and surrounding Brigades.

With the current season of rainfall and subsequent high vegetation growth, the NSW Rural Fire Service holds the responsibility to make safe communities across NSW. As part of this responsibility the Far West Team is conducting hazard reduction works across its area of responsibility. With the support of the communities, residents and Brigade volunteers every effort is being made to support land owners and managers in their role of managing the risk of fire on their land within the township. By conducting burning of the vegetation around the residential areas of the town reduces the risk during a bushfire emergency.

The burning will be conducted from:

4th August around the area of Barkindji Drive, Woore and Hood St’s in the North Western aspect of the village out to the fire break.

11th August burning will be conducted to the rear of the Council Yard out to the Barrier Hwy and White Cliffs Rd.

19th August burning will be conducted along the Barrier Highway from Dry Lake Road back toward town.

Of course burning will only be conducted dependent upon the weather. The Far West Team advises anyone with breathing conditions should remain indoors during any burning periods, especially if smoke affects the area. Burning is conducted with smoke issues in mind and intends to carry out the work in a manner that keeps smoke to a minimum. However wind and amount of fuel being burned may cause the smoke to enter the residential area. Should the
smoke become an issue burning will cease until weather conditions allow for a change in smoke direction.

Should anyone have any concerns or require further information, please contact the Far West Team office during business hours. The Far West Team thanks you for your support and apologises for any inconvenience created during these vital hazard reduction works.

Contact the Far West Team office during business hours: Ph: 02 6836 1226

Wilcannia Brigade always welcomes new members—see Greg at the Roadhouse, Roxanne at the Shire or Michael Barrett at the Central School