UPDATED, NOON MONDAY: Light winds are failing to disperse smoke, with Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) advising that smoke from bushfires continues to affect large parts of the state.
Air quality in Benalla and Wangaratta is rated UNHEALTHY ALL and everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity. The smoky conditions will continue until winds pick up today. Smoke levels will increase during the night into the following morning due to the low winds.
Due to the light southerly winds over central parts of Victoria and south easterly winds over Gippsland, there may be increased smoke in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Yarra ranges and West Gippsland.
Health alerts for Shepparton and Warburton have been downgraded to MODERATE with improving conditions.
Everyone should take necessary precautions to protect their health. 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.
Smoke and your health
North East and North Central regions, around Benalla, Wangaratta
Air quality health category is UNHEALTHY ALL - everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity.
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.
All areas experiencing smoky conditions:
People over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions should reduce 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