The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake a hazard reduction burn in Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast today 17 July.

The 20-hectare burn will reduce naturally accumulated fuel loads in the park to protect nearby residential areas in Pretty Beach from future bushfires.

The burn is scheduled to start at 10am this morning, with mop up and patrol continuing over the next few days.

Traffic control signs will be in place along Pretty Beach Road and Old Coast Road on Monday, due to potential smoke in the area. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and drive to conditions.

Smoke may be visible to residents in Pretty Beach, and anyone vulnerable to smoke is encouraged to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure.

Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.

People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Planning and Environment.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia. More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government Hazards Near Me website and app.