The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently undertaking hazard reduction burning within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Mummel Gulf National Park and Werrikimbie National Park, east of Walcha to help prepare for the coming fire season.
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NPWS Area Manager Aaron Simmon said various hazard reduction burns are in progress across an area of more than 5,000 hectares.
"Our crews are taking advantage of milder, calm weather to put in place important strategic burns to help control the spread wildfires should they occur," Mr Simmon said.
"The drought has certainly impacted on local national parks this year and it is important that we use every opportunity to complete some hazard reduction operations as early as possible.
"The local NPWS staff are highly trained and experienced firefighters and the hazard reduction burning season provides a great opportunity for us to get ready for the bushfire season ahead."
Mr Simmon also said burning under planned controlled, mild conditions allows NPWS to train new staff and upskill existing staff.
"It also gives us a chance to test our equipment and systems," he said.
"Across the New England and North West NPWS has completed around 9,500 hectares of hazard reduction burning since 1 July and these operations will add to that total."
NPWS hazard reduction burning is expected to be completed throughout the reserves by the end of next month.
For specific information on these burns phone the National Parks Area Office in Armidale on 6777 4700 or visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
A NPWS spokesperson said smoke is not expected to impact communities from these burns but suggested anyone with concerns wanting health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visits the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
More information on hazard reduction activities: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and the RFS "Fires near me" App.
