Sydneysiders are likely to smell smoke in the air on Friday. A weak southerly change sweeping over the harbour city is expected to carry smoke across the Sydney Basin.

The smoke is being generated by hazard reduction burns being carried out by the NSW Rural Fire Service in the Wingecarribee and Oberon areas, which are located to the south and southwest of Sydney.

These controlled burns are aimed at reducing fuel loads for bushfires and are currently taking place due to the relatively low fire danger ratings in eastern NSW.

While the fires are likely to remain under control, smoke may be of a concern to some people living in and around Sydney.

The RFS advises people to take the following steps when a hazard reduction burn is planned for your area:
– Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
– Ensure pets have a protected area
– Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
– 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

Visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions for the latest information on hazard reduction burns in NSW.

– By Ben Domensino, Weatherzone