A range of hazard reduction fires, some in the Blue Mountains, has shrouded Sydney in smoke, set off fire alarms, irritated some people's coughs and sinuses and inflamed tempers.
A spokesman for the NSW Rural Fire Service said more than 40 controlled hazard reduction burns were taking place, involving hundreds of volunteers as well as National Parks employees.
"Conditions are good," he said, adding that the NSW RFS was taking advantage of the fine weather before rain scheduled on Sunday.
In Sydney's CBD, the smoke set off fire alarms prompting calls to local fire stations.
One inner city fireman said the station had received many calls about alarms going off because of the smoke. They had been "chasing its tail for that reason."
Ash fell like snow in some parts of the Blue Mountains, where children continued with scheduled Saturday sports matches.
The hazard reduction fires surround Sydney, ranging from Lithgow, Wentworth Falls, Glenbrook and Leumeah in the west, to Wyong in the north, and several controlled burns near Nowra.
The low temperatures overnight had caused the smoke to settle overnight, said the NSW Rural Fire Service on Twitter.
The smoke in Sydney is crazzy holy shit I can't see past like 2 cars Infront of us it's like that foggy — ✦Macy✦ (@heymacyhay) May 6, 2016
The smoke has settled due to lower temps overnight. Should clear throughout the morning. https://t.co/XrE2qbtArn #Sydney #smoke #nswrfs — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) May 6, 2016
Some Sydneysiders complained about the smoke causing sinus problems and coughs.
Smoke in #BlueMountains is from planned hazard reduction burns. Important prep work. https://t.co/XrE2qbtArn #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/j469BBpKs5 — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) May 6, 2016
One woman said she could smell and see the smoke at her place in Bondi, even complaining about the fires being lit on Mother's Day weekend.
can't see 1 metre in front of me....toxic smoke instead of roses ON Mother's Day weekend! Thanks FOR NOTHING #NSWRFS — The Luxe Traveller (@luxetraveller) May 6, 2016
Others on social media praised the work of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Crisp smell in the morning! Smoke clearing. PSA: Stop complaining bout back-burning that saves lives and property! @NSWRFS #nswrfs — White Bear 84 (@white_bear_84) May 6, 2016
@NSWRFS Why any different this weekend ? It's smoky every weekend . Every weekend hay fever and sinus. — Julie Buckroyd (@JBuckroyd) May 6, 2016
But the spokesman for the NSWRFS said the fires were targeting areas close to properties that were vulnerable in bush fires. As a result of the hazard fires, the bushfires would be more easily controllable and the intensity of the fires would be lower, he said.
Weatherzone's Guy Dixon said the blanket of haze over Sydney was caused by a light westerly breezes that were wafting smoke from hazard reduction burns towards the coast.
"A strong inversion is also playing a part in this phenomenon, by trapping the smoke in a layer close to the earth's surface.
For those who are susceptible to respiratory conditions, stay inside, minimise physical exertion and keep your medication on hand," Mr Dixon warned.
He said that a northeasterly seabreeze should develop later on Saturday morning and into the afternoon, which would help to disperse this thick blanket of smoke.
Weatherzone is owned by Fairfax Media.
