Sydneysiders are being advised to be cautious as smoke from planned hazard reduction burns covers the city. The air quality in Sydney, specifically in the west and Blue Mountains region, is expected to worsen throughout the weekend as the burns continue. The NSW Rural Fire Service is conducting burns in areas such as the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba, and Mount Victoria. These burns, covering nearly 4000 hectares, are currently under control. Additionally, a nine-hectare planned burn in Dharawal National Park south of Sydney is also being monitored. In total, over 6600 hectares are expected to be burned across several regions including the Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Southern Highlands, and Blue Mountains.
On Friday morning, the burns were already impacting air quality in Sydney’s north-west, where the air quality was rated as “very poor” by NSW government monitoring. In Sydney’s central west, the air quality was deemed to be poor. NSW Health issued warnings concerning the serious health effects of the smoke, especially for individuals with heart and lung conditions. Dr. Stephen Conaty, the environmental health director at NSW Health, explained that smoke particles in the air can cause irritation to the eyes and airways, leading to symptoms like coughing and sore throat in most people. However, for those with underlying health conditions such as angina, asthma, emphysema, and diabetes, smoke particles can exacerbate these conditions and potentially result in severe illness. He advised that infants, young children, and individuals over 65, who may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke, should take precautions to protect themselves.
Sydney’s air quality continued to be of concern as smoke from planned hazard reduction burns spread across the city, particularly impacting the west and Blue Mountains region. The NSW Rural Fire Service was actively managing burns in various areas including the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba, Mount Victoria, and Dharawal National Park. These burns covering a significant land area were being closely monitored to ensure they remained under control. As the burns progressed, the air quality in Sydney’s north-west was reported to be “very poor”, while it was rated as poor in the central west. NSW Health issued warnings about the health risks associated with smoke exposure, emphasizing the potential serious impact on individuals with heart and lung conditions.
Dr. Conaty stressed the importance of taking precautions to minimize the health risks posed by the smoke, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and the elderly. He advised individuals with respiratory conditions or other health issues to avoid exposure to the smoke, seek medical attention if their symptoms worsened, and follow the guidance provided by health authorities. As the hazard reduction burns continued in various regions around Sydney, the concern for air quality persisted, prompting ongoing monitoring and updates from relevant authorities. It was recommended that residents stay informed about the air quality conditions in their area and take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being.
In response to the deteriorating air quality in Sydney due to planned hazard reduction burns, residents were urged to exercise caution and prioritize their health and safety. The NSW Rural Fire Service’s controlled burns across different regions, including the Blue Mountains National Park and Dharawal National Park, were causing smoke to spread, impacting air quality in various parts of the city. NSW Health issued warnings about the potential health effects of the smoke, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions, advising them to take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. With the burns expected to continue over the weekend, it was crucial for residents to stay informed, follow health guidelines, and prioritize their well-being. By being proactive and taking appropriate measures, individuals could mitigate the risks associated with the smoke and protect their health during this period of decreased air quality in Sydney.
