Hazard Reduction Burn: bushland between Woodlands Road and Ironside Avenue, St Helens Pa

Due to a planned hazard reduction burn being conducted by NSW Rural Fire Service, the area of bushland between Woodlands Road and Ironside Avenue, St Helens Park will be closed to the public on Saturday 1 June. For safety reasons, the burnt area will be inaccessible until Sunday 10 June 2019.

The purpose of the controlled burn is to reduce bush fire fuel levels and provide protection to local community assets. Council has been working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service Macarthur District in preparation of undertaking this burn.

The burn will be conducted on Saturday, 1 June 2019, weather permitting. Some local traffic diversions may be in place along Ironside Avenue, St Helens Park during the burn.

The hazard reduction activity is weather dependent, and any changes to these dates will be updated on this page.

If you live in close proximity to the burn area, please be mindful that the prescribed burn will generate smoke, hot embers and heat, it is important that you consider undertaking the following actions:

Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering buildings Cover outdoor furniture to prevent ember damage Retract plastic or synthetic pool covers to prevent ember damage Remove washing from clothes lines Ensure any outdoor pets have a sheltered area 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 If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on

For your safety neighbours adjoining the treatment area are requested to remain away from and not enter the burnt ground to aid post fire restoration.

Information and updates

Please continue to refer to this website for further updates and information. Other helpful sources of information are also available through the following sites:

While bushfire is an important part of the natural environment, Council has undertaken all the necessary environmental assessments and implemented control measures and conditions to ensure native flora and fauna are not adversely affected from this activity.

Sick or injured wild animals

If you find a sick or injured wild animal, contact your nearest veterinarian or wildlife carer organisation as soon as possible so that it may receive appropriate treatment.  Wild animals become stressed by handling, so you should seek expert advice before handling an injured animal.