Wagga Base Hospital treats eight people as bushfire smoke covers the city

The combination of fires overnight in Wagga, as well as the bushfire smoke blown from other parts of the state has seen the city record a 833 on the air quality index as of 12.30pm.

It has increased since this morning result of 541. The NSW government's air quality index rating states that anything at or above 200 is classified as hazardous.

Wagga Base Emergency Department's nurse manager Kristy Watson said the eight people who presented at the emergency department overnight and into the morning had respiratory type symptoms.

"All of these could be relatable to the current conditions, mostly caused by acute exacerbation of asthma," she said.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health unit director Tracey Oakman said the fire emergency engulfing many parts of the state means the smoke currently affecting many communities may not lift for some time.

Ms Oakman said for most people smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat.

However, she said people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms.

"If possible, stay in air-conditioned premises where filtration systems can help to reduce dust particles in the air, and avoid outdoor physical activity," she said.

"If you are on home oxygen treatment, continue as prescribed and if breathlessness worsens, contact your GP."

Ms Oakman said people with asthma should carry their reliever medication with them at all times. She said if the symptoms do not settle contact a general practitioner or in the case of an emergency call 000.