Southern Highlanders have been advised that hazard reduction burns will be carried out over the next few days.
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Fire agencies and land managers will take advantage of favourable weather conditions to complete a number of important burns across the Southern Highlands.
NSW Rural Fire Service acting commissioner, Rob Rogers, said autumn is traditionally when more than half of the annual burning program is completed.
"Forecast favourable conditions over the coming days have provided a welcome window of opportunity to complete some key burns," Mr Rogers said.
"These burns are planned well in advance and will help reduce fuel loads and give firefighters a better chance of saving lives and protecting homes in the event of a bush fire.
"Smoke from burns over the next few days and this weekend around areas including the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Sutherland, Cessnock and Lake Macquarie, may result in reduced air quality as it drifts across the Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong and Newcastle regions.
"It is a challenge striking the balance between completing this important work and not significantly impacting the community and as such, there have already been some burns rescheduled to limit the smoke impact this weekend."
As these burns may produce a large volume of smoke, members of the public are reminded that they should only call Triple Zero (000) if they see a fire without a fire truck in attendance.
People in smoke affected areas should avoid outdoor activity, close doors and windows, keep pets in a protected area, remove washing from clotheslines and, if driving, slow down and turn on headlights.
Asthmatics and people with respiratory or heart conditions should take appropriate precautions, follow treatment and management plans and keep their medication on hand.
Since winter 2018, more than 56,000 hectares have been treated across NSW, which has provided protection to more than 46,000 properties.
Due to an early start to the last bush fire season, only 39 per cent of scheduled burns have been completed so far, meaning the likelihood of a greater number of planned burns expected before next summer.
Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.
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