Crews continue hazard reduction programme

"People in many parts of the state should expect to see a significant amount of smoke over the next few days; in Greater Sydney alone we have crews conducting around 40 controlled burns over the next three days.

"For this important work to be effective the conditions need to be ideal, and now that the recent wet weather has cleared, agencies are taking full advantage of the situation.

"In coming days, agencies including the NSW RFS, Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks, Forests NSW and local government authorities have approximately 130 burns planned.

"This ongoing work is an important part of preparing for the bush fire season and agencies will continue these activities while conditions allow," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Between now and Sunday, hazard reduction burns are scheduled for the Wollondilly, Blue Mountains, Hills District, Pittwater and Gosford areas. Outside of Sydney, burns are planned in and around Lake Macquarie and Kempsey, down to Bega Valley and Eurobodalla, and further west to Cobar and Hay.

During the hazard reductions, some areas may be affected by smoke. Residents near controlled burns are encouraged to take precautions such as keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clotheslines and taking care if driving close to smoke affected areas by slowing down and switching on headlights.

"Just as fire agencies and land managers are using these conditions to prepare for the bush fire season, so should the community," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

More information on bush fire preparation and a full list of scheduled hazard reduction burns are available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.