A planned hazard reduction burn at North Head in Manly has been postponed after some sneaky winds picked up at Manly this morning, March 20, 2025.
It was a surprise increase in wind that turned a multi-agency hazard reduction at North Head from a 9 hectare into a 46 hectare blaze in October 2020, so the lead agency for this burn, Fire and Rescue NSW, erred on the side of caution.
The organised burn area was approximately one hectare at North Head Aeolian in the Barracks Precinct near Headland Montessori and WOTSO offices. Multiple trucks were present today as well as a crew of around 30 firefighters.
Plans for the hazard reduction were two years in the making but were cancelled at 11:30am today to play it safe. The area is classified as a difficult burn due its location, wind exposure and vegetation. It sits next to the Montessori childcare centre as well as WOTSO workspace building and a fitness facility.
The Senior Firefighter in charge of planning the burn, Bush Fire Officer Matthew Mildwater, said crews will return to complete the job at the next possible available window which could span anywhere between a few days or a few months, depending on weather conditions.
We will keep you posted.
At least one hazard reduction burn still went ahead over in Allambie today, at Aquatic Drive, Â with a number of others led by the Rural Fire Service scheduled for this weekend around Manly Dam.
More information here on these scheduled burns here: Hazard Reductions – NSW Rural Fire Service
You a view active burns via the hazards near me app or Fires Near Me on desktop.