EIGHT people were hospitalised yesterday after thick smoke covered the city.
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A combination of fires that ignited in Wagga and bushfire smoke blown from elsewhere in the state had the city record a 922 on the air quality index as of 5pm on Friday.
The NSW government's air quality index rating states that anything at or above 200 is classified as hazardous.
Wagga Base Emergency Department's nurse manager Kristy Watson said the eight people who presented at the emergency department on Thursday night and into Friday morning had respiratory type symptoms.
She said patients continued to present at the emergency department throughout the day.
"All of these could be relatable to the current conditions, mostly caused by acute exacerbation of asthma," she said.
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Pharmacist Joe Madden, of Michael O'Reilly Pharmacy, said there were more people, who have asthma, seeking treatment and advice in response to the smoke.
Mr Madden said it was positive to see that people are being vigilant and using common sense when these conditions arise. He said it was important that asthma suffers were prepared and accessed help when required.
"Asthma is a serious condition and breathing is a high priority for everyone and needs to be treated with the respect that it deserves," he said.
Although a handful of people were purchasing face masks at the pharmacy, Mr Madden said the demand was for reliever medication, ventilators and spacers.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health unit director Tracey Oakman said the fire emergency engulfing many parts of the state means the smoke affecting many communities might not lift for some time.
Ms Oakman said for most people smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat.
However, she said people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms.
"If possible, stay in air-conditioned premises where filtration systems can help to reduce dust particles in the air, and avoid outdoor physical activity," she said.
"If you are on home oxygen treatment, continue as prescribed and if breathlessness worsens, contact your GP."
Ms Oakman said people with asthma should carry their reliever medication with them at all times.
She said if the symptoms do not settle contact a general practitioner or in the case of an emergency call triple-zero.
On Friday morning, Fire and Rescue station commander Jeff Edwards said firefighters were busy containing two fires that flared up overnight on the outskirts of Wagga.
Both Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service crews responded to the fire burning out of control at Red Hill Road in Moorong shortly after 9pm on Thursday night.
Firefighters also responded to a grassfire near the Silvalite Fuel Stop at 1.30am.
Although both fires were brought under control, Mr Edwards said extra resources were dispatched to the fire at Moorong to ensure the blaze did not reignite as temperatures soared in the city as the day progressed.
Mr Edwards said the "fairly thick" smoke was one of the biggest issues yesterday. He said it severely impacted visibility for drivers.
He said the smoke had the potential to disorientate and urged people to drive with caution in smoky conditions.
Mr Edwards said people need to remain vigilant with a "horrendous weekend" ahead, reminding people to look out for one another.
He said if a fire is detected, the community need to contact emergency services immediately in order for fire crews to respond as soon as possible.