Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is warning that smoky conditions today across the Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, and around Wangaratta and Bright in north eastern Victoria, may affect anyone with a health condition.
The smoky conditions will likely persist until Thursday, when expected stronger winds and rain should disperse the smoke.
EPA’s Chief Environmental Scientist Dr Andrea Hinwood says smoke sources such as burning off to reduce the risk of bushfires, land management and wood burning household heaters, along with several days of stable weather conditions, have caused very poor air quality in some local areas.
“Anyone with a health issue such as asthma or a heart condition should avoid physical activity such as gardening, exercise or physical work, at least until conditions improve,” Dr Hinwood said.
Local observations and EPA’s network of air quality monitoring stations show there is smoke haze across the state.
“Smoke from fuel reduction burns are causing poor to very poor air quality in and around Melbourne; burning in the north east of the state is affecting the air around Wangaratta, Beechworth, Bright and Myrtleford; reduction burns are also impacting the Latrobe Valley,” she said.
The AirWatch page on EPA’s website shows live air quality monitoring.
EPA’s Chief Environmental Scientist says Victorians should take the smoky conditions seriously, but there are measures you can take to protect your health.
“Smoky conditions are particularly hazardous to people with asthma and other lung conditions, those with heart conditions, smokers, children under 14, adults over 65 and pregnant women,” Dr Hinwood said.
“People with pre-existing conditions, including asthmatics, should take their medication, follow their treatment plan and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms such as breathing issues, wheezing or tightness in the chest persist,” she said.
“EPA urges anyone in the worst affected area to look out for elderly neighbours and relatives, those with disabilities or mobility issues, too.”
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call 000.
Additional information:
Planned burning and other fuel management works such as clearing, mowing and slashing, are part of a program to reduce bushfire risk for communities and the environment.
Smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, but it’s important that Forest Fire Management crews take every opportunity while conditions are right to reduce bushfire risk.
They work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions – such as humidity, temperature and wind speed – and only carry out burns when conditions are suitable.
For the locations of planned burns, check the Forest Fire Management website at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au
For warnings on air quality, check EPA’s AirWatch website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/monitoring-the-environment/epa-airwatch
For the latest on bushfires and other emergencies, check the Vic Emergency website at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond
For more general information about bushfire smoke and health, go to
www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/bushfires.htm