Hunter firefighting crews are hoping to take full advantage of this weekend's weather with several hazard reduction burns scheduled across the region.
Prescribed burns have been planned by the Rural Fire Service and National Parks and Wildlife on Saturday and Sunday in Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Cessnock.
Lower Hunter RFS district manager Superintendent Martin Siemsen said the downside of the recent rain was it had hampered planning for hazard reduction burns this year.
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"It's a double-edged sword," he said. "The rains came at the end of the fire season and we've had a lot of rain since so we didn't have those traditional burning windows of opportunity in April May.
"We're looking to try and get on this weekend when the conditions suit. It's always a finite line. We've had either ends of the extreme in recent years."
The proposed burns will take place on Saturday at Tomaree National Park in West Fingal, Werakata National Park near Abermain and the Link Road, Cameron Park, which is scheduled to carry over into Sunday.
People in those areas are advised to:
- Close doors and windows
- Cover outdoor furniture, retract plastic or synthetic pool covers, protect trampolines and remove shade sails to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from the clothesline
- Ensure 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 develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice
- If you are driving, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on
