NPWS Lachlan Area Manager Jeff Boyd said NPWS staff are working with volunteers from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to undertake around 3000 hectares of hazard reduction burns within national parks in the area during autumn.

The first burn was scheduled for yesterday, in Nangar National Park, dependant upon conditions.

“Burning will then take place in the Weddin Mountains National Park on Wednesday 10 March.

“Grenfell residents are expected to have a clear view of this burn which will cover about 180 hectares.

“The hazard reduction will reduce fuels within both Weddin Mountains and Nangar National Parks in areas identified as strategic fire advantage zones.

“It will also help to protect private property adjacent to the parks that may be affected in the event of a major bushfire.

“The NPWS will also be undertaking further burns in Conimbla, Nangar and Goobang National Parks during autumn.

“Many of the planned burns will be ignited using aerial incendiaries dropped by the NPWS helicopter within fire containment lines. This type of ignition allows burns to be completed effectively within short time frames.

“We are taking the opportunity to start burning earlier this year due to the late summer rainfall and surrounding greener growth which will support the containment of our burns.

“Notices regarding hazard reduction burns will be posted at the entrance to each park prior to the burns and all visitors will be excluded from the areas of burning prior to ignition," he said.

Hazard reductions are one tool used to prevent the spread of fire. Since July 1 2009 the National Parks and Wildlife Service has conducted more than 70 burns, treating almost 20,000 hectares of national park estate.