Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shut down claims that the federal government could be doing more to assist firefighting efforts.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Morrison was questioned about reports that rural fire services had begun crowdfunding resources like food and water. He stood by his government’s actions.

“I know what the practice is and I know what the experience is and I know what’s happening on the ground,” the Prime Minister said.

“That is what was intended to be set up and that is operating and I’m pleased with the way those arrangements are being worked out and if there is any other matter that would need to be addressed, it would be raised with the Commonwealth.”

Morrison also spoke on the question of professionalising the volunteer firefighting effort.

“We are constantly looking at ways to better facilitate the volunteer effort, but to professionalise that at that scale is not a matter that has previously been accepted and it’s not currently under consideration by the government,” Morrison said.

He concluded by saying the volunteer firefighting organisations will be analysed “post these events”.

Sydney has been engulfed this morning by a blanket of thick smoke.

Morrison’s decision to use a press conference to introduce a religious discrimination bill - instead of discussing the fires - faced strong backlash online.

The PM is in Sydney on worst smoke day we’ve had - smoke alarms being set off in commerical buildings, daycares and schools not letting children outside, 5 million people can’t breathe properly.

His presser is on the religious discrimination bill — Bridie Jabour (@bkjabour) December 9, 2019

#NotMyPM #SmoKo Morrison is seriously going to give a presser about the emergency in NZ while standing in Sydney in a background of smoke created by our own climate changed caused emergency. You can’t make this up! 😔 #auspol — 💧🌏 Denise Shrivell (@deniseshrivell) December 9, 2019

Hot take: @ScottMorrisonMP announcing a religious freedoms bill in Sydney on the worst bushfire day we have ever had is a colossal dick move and so removed from reality even Shakespeare couldn’t write hubris this large — Nick Spurway (@nick_spurway) December 10, 2019

There is currently no location in New South Wales with air quality below hazardous levels.

According to the state’s Air Quality Index, recordings of over 200 are considered ‘hazardous’. Sydney’s morning air coverage has reached 11 times the most hazardous level.

Locations in Sydney’s north-west currently have recorded an Air Quality Index of 2075, while suburbs in the east have recorded an AQI of 2214.

Social media has been flooded with pictures of iconic Sydney landmarks all but disappearing into the smoke.

I promise you my camera is pointing at the Opera House from The Rocks. It’s been SMOKED! #sydneysmoke pic.twitter.com/d1F8f37rw4 — Daniel Sutton (@danielsutton10) December 10, 2019

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service headquarters was also briefly evacuated after heavy smoke coverage triggered safety alarms.

Reports that the Olympic Park office had been evacuated appeared on social media at approximately 11am this morning.

You’d laugh if it didn’t make you cough:



The Rural Fire Service Headquarters in Sydney’s west has been briefly evacuated, after smoke alarms went off inside the building – mostly likely due to heavy smoke in the area. — Andy Park (@andy_park) December 9, 2019

As ABC reports, key personnel stayed inside the building to monitor the multiple fires burning in the NSW surrounds.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) headquarters at Olympic Park was evacuated due to the smoke. Sydney's Air Quality right now is 3-6 times above the hazardous level. Where the bloody hell is our "leader'? Giving a presser on the religious discrimination bill. #bushfires pic.twitter.com/iWa07dRaDY — Solo Monk (@JJKALE2) December 10, 2019

The Sydney CBD offices of the Sydney Morning Herald have also been evacuated due to the smoke triggering alarms

View from the Herald’s Pyrmont office as smoke alarm goes off. Now evacuating. pic.twitter.com/rFLPMAX132 — Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) December 10, 2019

Sydney ferry services have also been temporarily halted until the smoke clears.

Ferries are not running due to thick smoke. Buses are being organized to replace F1 Manly services but aren't on site yet. — Sydney Ferries Info (@FerriesInfo) December 10, 2019

Even visiting UK rockstar Liam Gallagher has weighed in on the apocalyptic situation.

Sydney looks spooky as fuck with all this smoke proper shitting it LG x — Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 10, 2019

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