Wagga was covered in smoke on Monday morning, with bushfires burning on the NSW south coast and Sydney area blamed for the low visibility and burning smell.
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Murrumbidgee Local Health District Director issued as health alert as the city's Air Quality Index approached the upper limit of the 'very poor' rating with a score of 169.
A score of 200 or above is classified as 'hazardous'.
Tracey Oakman from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Public Health Unit said people needed to "be vigilant about their health, with smoke from many fires blanketing the region".
Before and after comparison of the view from Willans Hill.
"For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat," Mrs Oakman said.
"However, 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."
"If you are on home oxygen treatment, continue as prescribed and if breathlessness worsens, contact your GP".
Mrs Oakman said people with asthma should carry their reliever medication with them at all times.
"If you have asthma or a lung condition and develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, follow your Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Action Plan," she said.
"If the symptoms do not settle, please see your GP. In case of emergency, go to your nearest Hospital Emergency Department, or call 000."
Rural Fire Service Uranquinty brigade posted on Facebook to reassure people that the source of the smoke was not nearby.
"Once again Smoke is drifting into town and surrounds from the South Coast an Sydney fires," the brigade stated.
"Rest assured there is no fires in our area. If you see an unattended fire please Call 000 immediately."
The NSW Air Quality Index showed Wagga's air quality worsening early on Monday morning, going from a 'good' air quality rating of 64 at 5am to a 'fair' quality of 68 at 6am.
RFS Riverina Zone warned people with health conditions to take care.
"It's a Smokey start to the week across the Riverina. The smoke blanketing the area has blown in again from the various fires across the state," the RFS posted on Facebook.
There are no fires in the Riverina Zone that are cause for concern. Please only call Triple Zero (000) to report an unattended fire.
"People with existing lung and heart conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina should avoid outdoor activity and follow your disease management plan."