Smoke haze around Canberra

Residents, especially those in the west of Canberra, may notice a heavy smoke haze around the local region.

This smoke is the result of prescribed hazard-reduction pile burns in Kowen Forest as well as other hazard reduction burns taking place in surrounding NSW.

Relatively calm and still weather conditions have caused the smoke to dissipate more slowly than usual.

There is no threat to people or property from these fires.

The Health Directorate advises that people with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties.