The first part of a multiple-stage hazard reduction burn at Porcupine Reserve was carried out recently.
NSW Rural Fire Service completed about 12 hectares in the initial stage of the controlled burn.
More burns are planned for the area which the RFS said will create a Strategic Fire Advantage Zone for properties north, west and east of the lookout.
Road access to the Porcupine Reserve, via Apex Road, was closed for the duration of the hazard reduction.
The Porcupine burn off was one of several undertaken recently by RFS crews in the area. Other burns have also been conducted at Mullaley and King Jack Lane, south of Gunnedah.
It comes as the Gunnedah shire officially entered its bushfire danger period as of September 1. Gunnedah will join Narrabri, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains local government areas which are also starting their danger periods tomorrow but a month earlier than usual.
This was in addition to the six LGAs that commenced the danger period on August 1 including Armidale Regional, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield.
Eleven of the 32 areas are entering the danger period a month earlier than usual, with the prolific growth of vegetation after three years of wet weather adding to the heightened fire risk.
Once a bushfire danger period begins, landholders in these LGAs need to apply for a permit to burn off and notify their neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up.
Free permits are available by contacting the RFS Liverpool Range fire control centre on 6746 5800.
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