The hazard reduction burn at Ben Boyd National Park which spread beyoud containment lines, is now 500 metres from the Green Cape Lighthouse, NPWS regional manager Far South South, Tim Shepherd told the News Weekly at 1pm, Wednesday, March 5. However Mr Shepherd said he is confident that NPWS and the Rural Fire Service will get the fire under control.
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The planned hazard reduction burn in the park was started on the morning of Monday, March 3 but by the afternoon the fire has spread outside the containment lines.
There are currently 12 NPWS staff and 7 RFS firefighters at the site which covers 230 ha and spreads from Pulpit Rock Track and City Rock Track in a south easterly direction, Mr Shepherd said.
There are concerns for the fire when the southerly change is expected to come through at about 4pm.
Mr Shepherd said: "It is expected to be quite strong and gusty as it comes though. We need to make the northern flanks secure before the southerly hits."
He said that crews were very aware of the expected weather change.
"The issue has been the strong north easterly winds we've been experiencing; they have not abated during the night. They have stayed up and made the fire not act as benignly as expected," Mr Shepherd said.
"The road to Green Cape is closed from the Bittangabee turnoff while NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Rural Fire Service manage the fire, however it will re-open as soon as is safely possible."
This road closure means the fishing vantages of Pulpit Rock and City Rock are not accessible while crews are working in the region.