A smoky haze blanketing towns on the South Coast is a result of a fire at the Holsworthy Military Reserve and a number of hazard reduction burns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Holsworthy blaze is an uncontrolled bush fire and firefighters are working to contain it.
Light winds on Saturday afternoon and cooler overnight conditions means the smoke will settle in some coastal areas.
Stronger winds are forecast on Sunday which will see some of the smoke haze clear. However, some residual smoke may be visible over the next few days.
According to the Rural Fire Service, the smoke is likely to clear by Monday.
Smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning can affect some people more than others.
Children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke, according to NSW Health.
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 Foundation website.
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.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
