As the State’s fire management Agencies undertake planned burning to reduce the threat from future bushfires, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is sharing tips to help people stay healthy when there’s smoke in the air.
Issuing its advice, FFMVic said private land owners should also be preparing their properties for the bushfire season by carrying out private burn-offs as well as roadside burns.
“Planned burning is essential to protect the community property, the environment and critical infrastructure from bushfires,” FFMVic said.
“Carrying out these burns, which are sometimes referred to in the news as back burns or controlled burns, helps to reduce the size, intensity and impact of future bushfires,” it said.
“The smoky conditions can stay around for a few days or a few weeks and may affect the health of those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and older people.”
FFMVic advised people to stay indoors until the smoke cleared, use towels to cover gaps in doors and windows, and turn their air conditioner settings to recycle or recirculate.
For people with medical conditions, the Agency advised them to speak with their doctor and follow their asthma care plan, if they had one.
“The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) monitors air quality across the state, and issues air quality forecasts and alerts,” it said.
“Those sensitive to smoke may feel the health impacts before an air quality warning is issued, so it is important to stay up to date on when planned burning will be carried out.”
To seek relief from the smoke, FFMVic suggested people visit a local shopping centre, community centre, library or cinema that is air conditioned, or visit a relative or friend outside the smoke-affected area.
“Avoid burning candles and vacuuming inside your home to keep the air clean,” it said.
“Avoid physical activity to reduce your exposure to smoke.
“Breathing smoke particles deeply during exercise can cause breathing problems.”
FFMVic also advised people to use a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter to remove any smoke particles inside their home and, when there was a break in the smoke, to open their doors and windows to let fresh air in.
It said people could register to be notified of planned burns near their home or business via the Planned Burns Victoria website.
The Planned Burns Victoria website can be accessed at this PS News link and EPA’s air quality forecasts and alerts at this link.
