Smoke haze over Waratah Park, Sutherland, on Wednesday night, resulting from a hazard reduction burn. Picture supplied

Four hazard reduction burns are planned for the northern Illawarra and Sutherland Shire over the coming days, which could mean smoke in the air into the weekend.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

The NSW Rural Fire Service Illawarra Sutherland Team will be conducting planned burns in Helensburgh, Illawong, Waterfall and Grays Point between now and Saturday.

Details of the hazard reduction burns:

• Gills Gully burn, Lawrence Hargrave Dr/Baines Pl, Helensburgh, April 18, 1pm - 12 hectares
• Still Creek North burn, Still Creek fire trail Connor Pl, Illawong, April 18, 9am - 20 hectares
• Waterfall PS APZ, Mckell Avenue, Waterfall, April 17, 3pm - 0.3ha
• Grays Point burn, Florence Parade Trail, Temptation Creek Trail, Grays Point Road, Grays Point, April 15, 3pm - 35 hectares

Last weekend, there were thick trails of smoke rolling over the escarpment from Cordeaux.

This was the result of a two-day planned hazard reduction burn at Cordeaux Dam along Picton Road.

Spanning 717 hectares, that joint operation by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and WaterNSW required the dam to be temporarily closed to the public across Friday and Saturday.

While the smoke might have looked alarming, controlled burns like this are an important tool land managers and fire agencies use to prepare for bushfires.

By clearing out fuel, such as twigs, dried leaves and shrubs, fire agencies can weaken the spread and intensity of future blazes.

The scene at Flagstaff Hill with smoke coming over the escarpment from the controlled burns. Picture by Robert Peet.

When the smoke settles

While the burn was carefully controlled, the RFS reminds residents to enact a number of steps. They include:

• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
• Remove washing from clotheslines
• Ensure pets have a protected area
• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
• 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

To keep an eye on hazard reductions in the Illawarra, people are encouraged to download the 'Hazards Near Me' app or visit the RFS public website.