UPDATED, NOON SATURDAY: If you are planning outdoor activities this weekend, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) advises that smoke from bushfires is affecting large areas of the state, and that you should check forecast conditions.
Visit epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch and emergency.vic.gov.au to keep up to date with air quality and emergency warnings in your area when planning your weekend activities.
Air quality in Shepparton, Benalla and Wangaratta and Maffra is rated UNHEALTHY ALL through Saturday, and smoky conditions will continue through the weekend.
While air quality in Gippsland and the Yarra ranges has improved, periodic smoke impacts are likely to continue over the next few days. Air quality in East Gippsland region around Maffra and Warburton is intermittent and is varying with local conditions.
Everyone should take necessary precautions to protect their health.
Smoke and your health
North East and North Central regions, around Benalla, Shepparton and Wangaratta:
Air quality health category is UNHEALTHY ALL - everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity.
East Gippsland region, around Maffra:
Smoke conditions and air quality are intermittent and varying. Air quality health category is UNHEALTHY ALL - everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity.
All areas experiencing smoky conditions:
People over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions should avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity altogether.
Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor.
People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.
Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
Additional information
For information on bushfires and other emergencies, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
For information on air quality and other EPA Emergency related information, visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/emergency-information
For updates on EPA Emergency related information for the East Victoria Fires, visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/current-issues/east-victoria-fires
EPA has deployed incident air monitoring equipment to Benalla, Bunyip, Pakenham, Maffra, Bairnsdale, Woori Yallock and Warburton to monitor smoke impacts from the fires. Access the information from these air monitoring stations at www.epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch
Air quality updates are also available on twitter.com/EPA_Victoria
For information on smoke and your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/air/smoke