Sydney air quality warning issued as hazard reduction burns continue

An air quality alert has been issued for the Australian city of Sydney, as authorities conduct hazard reduction burns.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an air quality forecast alert of poor for the Sydney region on Thursday.

"Particle levels are forecast to exceed national air quality standards for today," they said.

Sydney was blanketed in smoke earlier this month following similar hazard reduction burns.

New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said more controlled burns were scheduled to take place in the coming week.

"Favourable weather conditions have again provided us with that welcome window of opportunity to continue our burning program this week," Fitzsimmons said.

"The weather can often prove to be a significant challenge for this type of work, so we are grateful that the current conditions have provided agencies with an excellent opportunity to complete some critically important burns."

He noted residents near controlled burns were encouraged to take sensible precautions such as avoiding outdoor activity in affected areas and keeping doors and windows closed.

"Many areas are behind with their hazard reduction programme due to unsuitable weather so we will be using every opportunity to conduct this essential preparation work," he said.

"It is important that the community take the lead from fire agencies by also taking advantage of the good weather to prepare their properties for the inevitable return of fire conditions." Endit