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Smoke alert: Haze blankets Perth amid prescribed burns and Kings Park experimental controlled fire

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Sarah StegerThe West Australian
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Perth blanketed with smoke haze from numerous prescribed burns.
Camera IconPerth blanketed with smoke haze from numerous prescribed burns. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian

Perth and surrounding suburbs have been blanketed in a haze of smoke this morning, with authorities warning it may reduce visibility on roads and cause health problems for people with pre-existing conditions.

There are more than 16 prescribed burns and private property burn-offs under way across WA today, including a experimental controlled fire in Kings Park.

Locals were warned ahead of time that the burn was due to take place today, as part of a long-term research project aimed at assessing the best methods of managing bushfire risk, as well as conserving the natural environment on the Swan Coastal Plain.

“This will be a carefully managed fire, of low intensity and low flame height, applied to a three-hectare site in the park,” a public notice online stated. “Mature trees in the chosen site will be subject to mild scorching only. Animal habitat will be monitored as part of the scientific research.”

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While the Botanic Gardens and Park Authority said the location and timing of the blaze had been chosen to minimise smoke, “a reasonable amount of smoke is likely”.

Lovekin Drive, Poole Avenue and portions of May Drive will be closed, and motorists are being urged to use caution if visibility is reduced.

A number of smoke alerts are today in place as a result of the spate of planned burns across the State.

In Two Rocks, Yanchep and Gingin surrounds, the Parks and Wildlife Service warned the smoke was due to a prescribed burn in the Yanchep Pine Plantation and is expected to clear overnight.

Meanwhile drivers travelling along Albany Highway between Bannister and the Jarrahdale Road turn off in the shire of Wandering and Boddington are being urged to take care due to thick smoke.

The haze is the result of a prescribed burn and is expected to clear later this morning.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued its own smoke alert for travellers along the Great Northern Highway between Warmun and Durack in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, where smoke is billowing from a prescribed burn.

That haze is expected to clear on Tuesday.

Residents have been advised to shut doors and windows and turn off air-conditioners in areas where the smoke is particularly thick.

Those with asthma and other pre-existing health conditions should follow their pre-prepared treatment plans.

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