In a collective effort to safeguard communities and preserve natural habitats, the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and crews from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) Snowy Monaro District successfully conducted a major hazard reduction burn in Kosciuszko National Park. The operation, dubbed “Thatchers Hole Hazard Reduction” (HR), took place from March 7-9 2025, closing the Wallace Craigie Lookout on Barry Way.
PHOTO: Jindabyne RFS at the Thatchers Hole HR. CREDIT: Jindabyne RFS.
The burn was aimed at reducing fire-prone fuel hazards within strategic parts of the park, a crucial step in moderating future fire behaviour and aiding suppression efforts during severe weather conditions.
The operation demanded extensive planning and coordination, a spokesperson from Jindabyne RFS said. “A 1906 hectare HR is a large undertaking, requiring a lot of planning and a big team effort to execute, with lots of variations in elevation, vegetation, aspect, weather and assets to protect.”
PHOTO: Different elevations and vegetation types provided a challenge for crews.
Jindabyne RFS expressed gratitude to all RFS crews including “Adaminaby RFS, New South Wales RFS, Berridale RFS, Ingebyra RFS, and East Jindabyne RFS,” as well as other organisations including Visit NSW State Forests, Snowy Mountains Helicopters, and Urban Rural Tree Services, for their essential roles in traffic management and safety.
Hazard reduction activities like these are part of NPWS’s broader Enhanced Bushfire Management Program (EBMP), aiming to treat over 135,000 hectares annually. More than 635,000 hectares have been treated in the past five years, showcasing the dedication and importance of these preventive measures.
PHOTO: HR burns of this scale take meticulous planning and coordination.
While such operations may temporarily impact visitors due to smoke and area closures, they form part of an important plan for community safety and environmental conservation. NPWS broadcasts public information through updates on their Alerts page, where you can stay up to date with planned hazard reduction burns.