Sydney – Blanketed in Smoke from Wildfires

An eerie blanket of smoke and ash descended on Sydney blown from the blazes by wind gusts of up to 70km an hour and almost blocking out the sun in places. Burning embers have been reported in the western suburbs, up to 30 kilometres from the fire front, while the presence of smoke was inescapable even in the eastern suburbs. The smoke is expected to linger for a few more days. The elderly and those with breathing difficulties are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.