National parks along the NSW coast be closed from Tuesday, following the declaration of a bushfire emergency across the state.
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Predicted catastrophic fire weather along the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and severe fire danger conditions on the Far South Coast will see popular parks closed, as well as tracks, trails, campgrounds and picnic areas.
"Campgrounds on the South Coast are also closed, including popular sites in Murramarang National Park at Depot Beach, Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach, and popular campgrounds in Mimosa Rocks National Park and Ben Boyd National Park," the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's South Coast branch director Kane Weeks said.
This follows the announcement of national park closures north of the Hawkesbury River and in the Greater Sydney area. Mr Weeks said NPWS has more than 1,000 trained firefighters supporting emergency services.
"Fire can move extremely fast through the landscape with new ignitions possible so every precaution to protect people is necessary," said Mr Weeks said on Monday.
"The closures include campgrounds in national parks on the South Coast, the closure of Visitor Centres at Minnamurra and Fitzroy Falls, and closure of popular walking tracks, including popular waking tracks in Morton National Park at Mount Bushwalker and Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track."
A total fire ban has been declared, meaning all forms of flame-based cooking and barbecues are not permitted.