Windy conditions wreaked havoc for local firefighters who had planned several hazard reduction burns across the Lower Hunter on the weekend.
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Strong gusty winds forced the cancellation of planned burns at Glen Oak and Paterson on Saturday, however operations at Kitchener, Wollombi and Pokolbin all went ahead on Sunday.
Hazard reduction burns are completed annually to reduce the risk of bushfires ahead of fire danger season.
The August weather conditions create what firefighters refer to as “the window of opportunity” to perform the burns.
The temperature, humidity, wind and fuel moisture on the ground is typically right at this time of year to allow firefighters to safely control the blaze.
Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service operational officer Guy Baddock said more burns were planned for the next few weeks pending on weather conditions.
For more information about planned hazard reduction burns, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.