The Environment Protection Authority in Victoria has warned residents of the Latrobe Valley with pre-existing health conditions to look after themselves while the region faces smoky conditions.
Smoke from planned burns, household wood heaters and farmers and plantations taking advantage of the end of the fire danger period are contributing to the EPA’s air quality status reaching ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning around the region.
Yesterday Forest Fire Management Victoria conducted planned burns at Noojee, Crossover and Yallourn North and all were on state forest to reduce bushfire risk over summer.
EPA chief environmental scientist Dr Andrea Hinwood said the conditions meant people needed to be cautious.
“People who do have pre-existing illnesses, are older, younger, have cardiovascular disease, any underlying disease really need to take it easy in smoke … and put in place their health plans,” Dr Hinwood said.
EPA is expecting the conditions to improve Thursday, May 3 because of the forecast wind.
Dr Hinwood said a higher concentration of air pollution was more common in the early hours of the morning because of temperature inversions.
Forest Fire Management Victoria assistant chief fire officer Chris Stephenson said autumn temperatures and the relative humidity offered the least risk for lighting burns in state forest and national parks.
“The nights cool down and fires typically stop running,” Mr Stephenson said.
Likewise, because of the stable conditions, “quite often smoke may linger for a while after a planned burn”.
“We actually work closely with the EPA and the Department of Human Services when things do get smoky to … monitor where the smoke might accumulate,” he said.
“Even this week we’ve stopped undertaking some burns due to the conditions.”
He said Forest Fire Management undertook planned burns annually at this time of year, however, the weather was not conducive in 2018 to have some of the larger risk reduction burns like in previous years.
Dr Hinwood recommended those with pre-existing health conditions to stay indoors and close the vents and windows in their car and home to avoid exposure to smoke.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, seek medical advice or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should phone 000.
For the locations of planned burns, check the Forest Fire Management website at ffm.vic.gov.au.
For warnings on air quality, check EPA’s AirWatch website via epa.vic.gov.au.
