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Smoke and health


 

The Department of Health advises that if you, or someone you care for, experiences symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

Where is all the smoke coming from and why does it hang around?


People may see or smell smoke while planned burning is carried out, and often smoke may linger for a few days after a burn. If DEPI is burning in several fire districts across the state, smoke is likely to remain for one or two weeks.

DEPI recognises that smoke can be an inconvenience and a concern for some people. The Bureau of Meteorology and DEPI have developed a smoke-forecasting service to help DEPI reduce the impact of smoke from planned burning on nearby communities, where possible.

Planned burning is carried out at any time of the year, whenever the weather and other conditions are right. However, people are most likely to be impacted by smoke from planned burning in autumn, when the weather and conditions tend to be more suitable for burning.

Smoke may also come from a number of other sources:

  • Councils arrange for planned burns to be carried out on council land and roadsides to reduce fuel and control pest plants. The CFA conducts these burns to assist local councils and members of the public.
  • Farmers often burn stubble in autumn after harvesting or in spring as part of their fire prevention activities.
  • Commercial plantation companies burn left over woody material after timber harvesting or prior to re-planting.
  • Rail authorities may request burns be conducted along railway lines, and other public authorities (such as water authorities) may request burns on their land.
  • Smoke from planned burns or fires just across the border in New South Wales or South Australia may also drift toward Victorian border communities. Smoke has even been known to drift across Bass Strait from northern Tasmania.

How can I find out if the smoke I see is from a planned burn?


If you see or smell smoke:
  • visit DEPI’s webpage Planned Burns Today
  • visit DEPI's or CFA’s Warnings & Incidents page
  • call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
  • if you have a smartphone, download the free FireReady app to see a map that includes today's planned burns

Where do I find health advice on the affect of smoke?


Smoke from a planned burn may affect you and your family. If you are affected by smoke, delay vigorous exercise, remain inside if possible and keep the windows closed.

The Department of Health advises that people with heart or lung conditions should take their medication as prescribed. People with asthma should follow their asthma management program.

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.

For health advice;

  • read the attachment below 'smoke from planned burns - information sheet' 
  • visit the Department of Health
  • visit the Asthma Foundation web site and download the information sheet, Asthma and Bushfires
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has a role in monitoring air quality across the state – visit their web page Bushfires and air quality

Smoke from a planned burn in a remote area can be seen for a long distance

 

 



The safest time to burn is a time of little or no wind. Smoke from a large burn may hang in the air for several days

 

Want more information?

Smoke from planned burns - information sheet [PDF File - 1.6 MB]

Smoke from planned burns - information sheet [MS Word Document - 2.5 MB]



Research Report 53 provides detailed information about smoke management, including modelling smoke movement, smoke dispersion and the emissions from burning vegetation.

Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.

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