Lake Parramatta Reserve bushfire hazard reduction activity 4 to 26 March

On behalf of City of Parramatta Council, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will conduct a hazard reduction burn around Lake Parramatta Reserve (in the vicinity of 28-70 North Rocks Road, North Rocks, please refer to map below).

Weather conditions permitting, the hazard reduction burn will be conducted between Saturday 4 March and Sunday 26 March 2023 between 8am and 6pm.

If unstable weather conditions should occur between the above dates and times, alternative days will be chosen. 

Lake Parramatta Reserve closure Please note: activities will include the use of a helicopter and a FRNSW drone. These activities, along with the burn, mean that walking trails around Lake Parramatta and the swimming area may be closed. 

Please see www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me for updates prior to visiting the area.

If on-site between Saturday 4 March and Sunday 26 March 2023, please refer to signage for information and follow instructions issued by FRNSW. 

If you are likely to experience problems relating to smoke, think now about what you’ll do, and make appropriate plans.

Hazard reduction Controlled hazard reduction burns are part of the Hunters Hill Lane Cove Parramatta Ryde Bush Fire Management Committee’s annual Hazard Reduction Program, and are implemented to protect people, property, and the environment from bushfire.

Smoke Controlled burns are planned in advance and are designed to have minimal impact on the environment and the community. While FRNSW use the best information and forecasts available, sometimes it’s difficult to predict where smoke will spread and what kind of impact it will have on the community.

If you are likely to experience problems relating to smoke, think now about what you’ll do, and make appropriate plans.

Safety precautions during the burn:  Fire agencies and land managers will work together to minimise the impact of smoke from hazard reduction burning. However, residents should: • keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes  • keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns • retract plastic or synthetic pool covers to prevent ember damage • remove washing from clothes lines • ensure pets have a protected area.

If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high. If shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine, or seek medical advice. 

In the area on a burn day: Please obey the instructions of traffic controllers and emergency services:  • vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on • sightseers must keep away from the area for their own safety • never fly drones or Remote Piloted Aircraft near bush fires or hazard reductions, where aircraft may be operating. Penalties apply. 

Post burn: • Be aware that some tracks/trails may be closed for some time after the burn. • Be aware that smoke may continue to rise in patches from the burnt area as well as embers for numerous days after the burn.  • Fire crews from FRNSW will be conducting patrols of the site for some days to follow the burn.  

  Map only shows an indication of the hazard reduction area. Boundaries are not precise.

More information:  For more information, please contact the Fire and Rescue NSW prescribed burn planner, Senior Firefighter Rodger Penrose, on 0419 868 410. 

For updates on this activity and future fires in your area, download the Hazards Near Me app for your phone: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me