Yesterday the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Rural Fire Service did a hazard reduction burn around Mount Solitary. The area hadn’t been burnt since a fire in 1955 and the smoke created a spectacular show throughout the arvo and into the night.

Mount Solitary is a popular hiking and camping spot, especially as the weather cools down (there’s usually no water up the top so the hike’s a bit of a mission in summer).

This cooler weather is also great for hazard reductions burns, where parts of the bush can be burnt safely to prevent fires raging out of control once spring rolls around.

As the Blue Mountains Gazette reports, the authorities were making the most of a good weather pattern, before it gets too cold and damp.

Gaia Scarf, three sisters, mt solitary, hazard reduction burn, @gaia.scarf

Photo by @gaia.scarf

The smoke rising in torrents behind the iconic Three Sisters is a rare and intimidating sight. Photographer Liam Oakwood said that it “seemed like all of Leura was up there watching.”

liam oakwood, three sisters, mt solitary, hazard reduction burn, @wyldwayfarer

Photo by Liam Oakwood | @wyldwayfarer

Parts of Leura looked downright apocalyptic. You don’t normally see shots like this during a real bushfire because it’s too dangerous to hang around snapping photos!

Smoke filled the Jamison Valley and will continue to hang around in the Sydney Basin for a few days.

The fires continued on into the night – allowing for some eerie night photography.

A post shared by Wolter Peeters (@shooterwol) on

Tracks were closed before the burn and checked by helicopter and NPWS Rangers just to be sure. Check the Current Alerts Page to see when they’ll be open again.

chris maric, three sisters, mt solitary, hazard reduction burn, @maricmediaaus

Photo by Chris Maric | @maricmediaaus

Hopefully this helps us to avoid a bad fire season once it starts heating up again! Remember, it’s up to you to explore safely in bushfire season – this is what you need to know.

liam oakwood, three sisters, mt solitary, hazard reduction burn, @wyldwayfarer

Photo by Liam Oakwood | @wyldwayfarer

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