Backburning to start in Sydney's north

Smoke is predicted to affect residents of Sydney's north shore as authorities begin a massive backburning operation ahead of bushfire season.

About eight hectares of the Lane Cove Valley will be burnt by 90 firefighters and senior officers with 15 trucks, helicopters and trained volunteers helping out.

Only one lane of Lady Game Drive will stay open between 10am and 3pm and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) says the expected smoke will impact properties around Chatswood West and East Lindfield.

"This burn is a priority for the state's fire authorities due to the extremely high fuel load in the area making it a major bushfire risk," FRNSW said in a statement.

"Homes were lost in this area during the devastating 1994 Sydney bushfires."