Sydney Ferries cancelled as air quality reaches 12 times hazardous levels

Sydney’s ferries have stopped running due to thick ‘hazardous’ smoke engulfing the city.

NSW Transport announced the decision on Twitter after midday on Tuesday as air qualities plunged to 12 times hazardous levels.

“Buses are now replacing F1 Manly services. There are no replacement buses on other routes, delay your journeys,” NSW Transport said.

Air quality is considered hazardous when the Air Quality Index reaches 200. Those levels were exceeded in the Greater Sydney region many times over on Tuesday. In the city’s inner suburbs, Rozelle reached 2552 by noon (almost 13 times the hazardous level), while St Marys in the west reached 2204.

By Tuesday afternoon, Sydney was listed as 35th worst on the world air quality rankings.

Residents have been advised to limit their outdoor activity for the safety of their health.

Air conditioning on some trains has been shut down due to the haze.

Sydney Trains staff have warned commuters some station fire alarms may go off, and requested they follow the instructions of employees.

More than 100 smoke alarms have gone off over the past hour, according to 9News.

The Sydney Morning Herald office, the Rural Fire Service headquarters in Olympic Park and Kirribilli house have been evacuated, the publication said.

Sydney's smoke issues have also forced the cancellation of the traditional Sydney to Hobart lead-up race, the Big Boat Challenge, for safety reasons.

The Cruising Yacht club of Australia made the decision with thick smoke blanketing Sydney Harbour and causing visibility issues.

Supermaxis Wild Oats XI, Black Jack, SHK Scallywag and InfoTrack, plus smaller boats Naval Group and URM, were listed to contest the race scheduled to start at 1230pm (AEDT).

"We're very disappointed to abandon the Big Boat Challenge but for the safety of spectators, public and competitors, we made the call," CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.

"The safety of all competitors, in addition to those working on the harbour, is extremely important to us and our number one priority.

"The best available information is that nothing about the conditions will change in the short term so delaying the start wasn't an option.

“Our thoughts, of course, are with those worst-affected by the bushfires - and those fighting the fires across the state."

Sydneysiders took to social media on Tuesday to proclaim their horror at the smokey conditions.

“At what point does work become too hazardous in a city of over 4 million people? We’ve never seen Sydney like this,” one man said.

“I can't remember when it's ever been as smoky as today!” said another.

Musician Liam Gallagher, who performed in Sydney on Monday night, said the city “looks spooky as f**k with all this smoke.”

Conditions a ‘recipe for severe illness’

NSW Health environmental health director Dr Richard Broome said people should avoid doing strenuous activity outside if they could.

“Hot weather and poor air quality are a recipe for severe illness unless people take simple precautions.

“We are urging people to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, to minimise physical activity, to keep well hydrated and reduce their exposure to smoky air,” Dr Broome said.

“Hot weather puts a lot of strain on the body, causes dehydration and can make underlying health conditions worse. It also causes heat stress and heat stroke.

The NSW environment department says poor air quality in Sydney on Tuesday could “cause symptoms, especially in people with heart or lung disease”.

Dr Broome urged people to check on neighbours who might be considered at risk.

“It’s also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat.

“Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion,” he said.

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“Air quality across NSW may be affected by extensive smoke from bushfires, in particular, the mid-North Coast, Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions,” the department said.

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