THERE might be more than 140 fires burning across the state on Tuesday afternoon, but firefighters are urging people to only call triple-0 if they see an unattended fire.
Triple-0 operators have been inundated by calls from people who smell or see smoke thanks to the large number of fires burning across NSW.
This week, however, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has issued a reminder that people should only call triple-0 if they see an unattended fire.
"Our operators are getting smoked," the alert stated.
"Where there's smoke there's fire, but the smoke from this fire is far away and being attended to, so please only call triple-0 if you see a fire that is unattended."
FRNSW's Chris Cusack said smoke had been clearly visible across large parts of the Central West and Orana regions in recent weeks, despite the fact there have been few fires in this area.
"There's been an influx of triple-0 calls because there's been so much smoke around," he said.
He has urged people to firstly check the NSW Rural Fire Service's Fire Near Me website and app prior to making an emergency call.
"Also, please don't dial triple-0 just because you need information," Station Officer Cusack said.
Fires Near Me is updated every 10 minutes with the latest fire information and warnings for the entire state.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
