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Victoria experiences bushfires every year during the warmer months.
There are many ways authorities work to reduce the risk that grass and bushfires pose to
communities and the environment. Planned burns are one way to reduce the risk
of bush fire. A planned burn is a controlled fire done by
the local fire authority to reduce hazards such as leaf litter and dry grass that can
fuel grass and bushfires. Extended smoky conditions can occur during
planned burns, temporarily reducing air quality in rural or urban areas.
For some people, however, smoke exposure has particular health risks. Children, older people
or people with an existing heart or lung condition, including asthma, are more sensitive to the
effects of breathing in fine smoke particles.
If you or someone in your care is likely to be more affected by smoke, there are easy
ways to avoid or reduce the health impacts of smoke exposure.
If possible, you can plan to leave the smoke affected area or avoid travel to areas where
there is smoke from planned burns. Check the Department of Environment and Primary Industries
website for a schedule of planned burns. If you are remaining in or entering into smoky
conditions you can reduce health risks by: staying indoors and closing windows and doors,
continuing to take medication prescribed by your doctor for heart or lung conditions,
following your asthma management plan and keeping a reliever or inhaler on hand
and reducing or avoiding prolonged or heavy physical activity, especially outdoors.
When indoors: Reduce indoor sources of air pollution such
as cigarette smoking; burning candles; or vacuuming or sweeping which may stir up fine
dust particles. If running an air-conditioner, switch it to
'recycle' or 'recirculate'. If you do not have an air conditioner, take
steps to reduce heat stress. Try using a fan, wet face washers and drink cool water.
Very young, elderly or unwell people should take care extra during hot conditions. Go
to www.health.vic.gov.au and search 'heatwaves' for more tips.
If it gets too hot or smoky to be comfortable take a break away from the smoke:
Visit a friend or relative living outside the smoke-affected area.
Alternatively, visit an air-conditioned venue such as a library, cinema or shopping centre.
If there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to air out your home.
During extended, very smoky conditions, outdoor sporting events may be postponed.
Check in with the event organiser prior to the event date.
If you're concerned about your health or someone in your care, seek medical advice or call
NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or
chest pain should seek urgent medical assistance by calling 000.
To get the latest information on when and where planned burns are happening, visit www.depi.vic.gov.au
and for more information about air quality and smoke impacts from bushfires visit www.epa.vic.gov.au