Sydney faces months of smoke as authorities race to conduct hazard reduction burns

NSW RFS says it is significantly behind' schedule and will continue to do hazard reductions as long as it's safe'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner says that as long as it's safe, firefighters will continue conducting hazard reduction burns over the next few months, which could result in smoke being trapped in the Sydney basin.

Sydney awoke to a blanket of smoke over parts of the city on Monday from hazard reduction burns at the weekend.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup