After a request from the MFB, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has deployed its mobile air monitoring equipment to a large fire of tyres in Broadmeadows.
The equipment will allow EPA to undertake localised monitoring for small particles in the air known as PM2.5 which will be provided in data form to the incident controller and Chief Health Officer.
These tiny particles are present in smoke and measure less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. Because of their small size, PM2.5 particles are the main pollutant of concern in smoke - the average width of a strand of human hair is 75 micrometres in diameter.
EPA officers at the site are also providing advice to MFB about how best to contain water and fire fighting foams used from fire fighting activities to prevent those from going into local waterways.
This deployment meets emergency management protocols.