Hazard reductions - smoke advisory - NSW

Published: 07 Sep 2023 05:04pm

A number of hazard reduction burns are scheduled for NSW including the Greater Sydney Area over the coming days.

Smoke from these burns is likely to settle across residential areas especially in the afternoon and evening. Heavy smoke may be experienced by residents close to the burns and in eastern parts of the metropolitan area.

Smoke is expected to remain over parts of Sydney until early next week.

Smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning can affect some people more than others.

NSW Health reminds people that children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke.

If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

Asthma sufferers need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse seek medical advice.

Further advice is available from the Asthma Australia website  https://asthma.org.au/triggers/wood-heaters-woodfires-and-bushfires/ [external link]

More health information is available online at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/pages/bushfire-smoke.aspx [external link]

Here are some tips to stay safe during hazard reduction burning.

  • Monitor the NSW RFS hazard reduction page for information about planned burns and smoke advisories in your area.
  • Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
  • Remove washing from clotheslines.
  • Ensure pets have a protected area.
  • If you’re driving through a smoky area, slow down, keep your windows up and turn your headlights on.
  • Don’t call Triple Zero just to report that it’s smoky. Save Triple Zero for emergencies.
  • Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety.

For more information and a list and map of planned hazard reduction burns, visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr [external link]

Updated: 08 Sep 2023 10:03am

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Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]