NSW RFS Hazard Reduction Burn at ANSTO

ANSTO is supporting the NSW Rural Fire Service Sutherland District to carry out a hazard reduction burn along a large section of our campus perimeter in Lucas Heights this weekend on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November 2024.  

The hazard reduction burn will cover an area of approximately 64 hectares in the southern sector of the Lucas Heights buffer zone. 

ANSTO is working closely with the RFS and enabling access to our secure campus and perimeter lines so they can coordinate and conduct this hazard reduction burn. 

Stringent plans are in place by the RFS to ensure there is no risk to ANSTO’s campus operations or safety. ANSTO’s 24/7 operations and facilities will remain open and operating as normal. As this hazard reduction burn is occurring on a weekend, there will be minimal disruption to our staff who may be required to be on onsite.  

ANSTO and the RFS are taking every step to mitigate any risks to the local environment and wildlife populations, including koalas and Indigenous cultural sites. Prior to the commencement of the hazard reduction burn and throughout the burn operations, the area will be extensively surveyed and koalas and other fauna will be safely relocated where required. 

Local residents and road users may notice a heightened presence of RFS vehicles around ANSTO during this time, including New Illawarra Road and Heathcote Road. A RFS helicopter and drones will also be deployed to assist firefighters on the ground.  

The RFS may be required to set up temporary road or lane closures, and/or detours at short notice for the roads surrounding ANSTO’s campus. ANSTO’s main public car park near the ANSTO Café will also be closed on the weekend to accommodate RFS vehicles.

More information about this hazard reduction burn can be found on the RFS website and the Hazards Near Me app. Local residents can also keep up to date with any traffic disruptions through the Live Traffic NSW website and app.