About 50 NSW Rural Fire Service members will be working on the burns over the two days, with the Saturday burn expected to last half a day and the Tuesday burn to last most of the day.

Illawarra RFS zone manager Superintendent Richard Cotterill said the controlled burns were an important part of the region’s bushfire risk management plan and would help protect homes and properties from future fires.

He said the RFS needed to take advantage of ideal conditions for the burns, including the right wind speeds, temperature and dry ground fuel.

Otford residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed, remove washing from clotheslines and ensure pets are kept in a protected area.

Motorists should slow down if driving through smoke, keep their windows up and turn on their headlights.

Further backburning in the Illawarra will be conducted soon.