Cessnock's Carols in the Park has been called off due to the current bushfire emergency and the associated impact of smoke.
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The fireworks were cancelled earlier this week, and Cessnock City Council made the decision today to cancel tonight's event.
General manager Lotta Jackson said it's difficult to cancel such a wonderful community event at such late notice, but council must put community health and safety first.
"The bush fire rating for today is severe, so conditions in the Cessnock local government area are not expected to ease," Ms Jackson said.
"We have a number of large fires burning in Yango National Park which is impacting on residents in Paynes Crossing, Wollombi, Laguna and surrounds. There is also a blaze continuing to burn in Pelaw Main.
"Due to the size and location of these fires a blanket of smoke has settled across Cessnock and ash is falling from the nearby blazes.
"The advice from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is for residents to stay inside as much as possible, particularly the elderly, those with lung or heart issues and young children.
"In light of this we have unfortunately had to make the call to cancel this special community event. As a council we have a responsibility to keep our community as safe as possible and reduce potential negative health impacts."
For more information about bushfire smoke, visit NSW Health's website.