21 November
Wildfires across southeastern Australia have caused hazardous smoke that reached Sydney at one point.
The fires started this month in New South Wales and have been spreading across the region.
Four people have died and more than 300 houses have been totally burned.
The state government issued an emergency alert last week.
On Tuesday, the smoke reached the country's most populous city and the degree of air pollution reached the highest of its 6-level system, posing a health risk.
The New South Wales Ministry of Health is calling on people to stay inside when smoke heavily blankets the city.
Weather officials say hot, dry winds are expected in the days ahead
Health officials reiterated calls for people to stay indoors and reduce physical activity, especially anyone with health conditions.
About five million people live in Sydney, the state capital of NSW.
NHK
