More hazard reduction burns planned for Hornsby region

More hazard reduction burns are planned for the Hornsby region following ideal weather conditions, while NSW Health has urged people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to be aware of the increase in smoke.

The hazard reduction burn in Hornsby on Saturday. Picture: Hornsby Rural Fire Brigade

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More hazard reduction burns are planned for the Hornsby region following ideal weather conditions, while NSW Health has urged people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to be aware of the increase in smoke.

Parts of Sydney have been covered in smoke during recent days as firefighters make the most of the good weather and dry conditions which has included a huge burn in the Blue Mountains.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Service also completed a burn at Florence Cotton Park in Hornsby on Saturday — off Pretoria Parade — and told the Advocate more burns could go ahead this week if the conditions remain good.

Thick smoke as a result of hazard reduction in Sydney seen blanketing Sydney Airport this morning. Picture: Dylan Robinson

That includes a potential reduction burn in South Turramurra near The Comenarra Parkway on Thursday and another burn near Pennant Hills this coming weekend.

Inspector Rolf Poole explained the humidity, temperature and dry conditions at present gave firefighters an ideal opportunity to reduce bush fire fuel.

“Hazard reductions can occur at anytime of the year but generally most of our burns are conducted in autumn and spring,” he said.

“Ideally we are looking for a cooler temperature, about 20 to 25 degrees, with a bit of humidity in the air and a light breeze to blow away the smoke.”

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He said if the conditions remained good local firefighters would also look at doing reduction burns in Wisemans Ferry and Arcadia in the coming weeks.

“If we get a little bit of rain it will take weeks to recover so while it is dry we are trying to make the most of the opportunity.”

He said the Rural Fire Service, NSW National Parks and NSW Fire and Rescue all worked closely together with the reduction burns.

Meanwhile, NSW Health director of environmental health Richard Broome said smoke can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate existing lung and heart conditions.

“People with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are more likely to be sensitive to the effects of smoke,” Dr Broome said.

“I recommend that people with existing heart and lung conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there’s smoke around.

“It’s also important for people with asthma to follow their Asthma Action Plan and have their relieving medication with them.”

You can keep up to date with planned reduction burns by visiting rfs.nsw.gov.au.