Smoke alert issued after NSW RFS and Forestry Corporation NSW conduct hazard reduction burns near Armidale

"We advise Armidale residents to take appropriate precautions, such as keeping doors and windows closed, removing washing from clothes lines and making sure pets are in a protected area," NSW RFS Zone Manager Mark Denton said.

"Motorists in the area should also slow down and take care if driving through smoke, keep the windows up, switch the car air-conditioner to recirculated air mode and turn headlights on."

About 32 NSW RFS members will take part in the hazard reduction operation, joined by crews from FCNSW.

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Mr Denton said the hazard reduction operation is due to start at 10am and finish by 4pm.

"Hazard reduction plays a vital role in helping to reduce the intensity of bushfires," he said.

"This controlled burn will increase protection of the Waldorf School and surrounding properties as well as assist our firefighters to control any future bushfires in the area."

Mr Denton also said it is important to take advantage of suitable weather conditions to conduct hazard reduction burning as soon as they occur.

"Each year only a small window of opportunity exists where weather conditions are conducive to controlled burns," he said.

"For a hazard reduction burn to be successful, we require the right wind and temperature conditions as well as ground fuels to be sufficiently dry."

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