Bush fire and smoke
21 November 2019
Current fire incidents
More than 600 homes have been destroyed by bush fires and six lives lost this season. Check the website for current fire incidents. You can also check on the , and .
The RFS has advice about . Make sure you know what you will do before, during and after a fire.
Poor air quality from smoke
Smoke from fires across the state has created poor air quality in many areas. Fine particles in smoke can make breathing difficult, worsen existing lung and heart conditions, and cause irritation and allergic reactions in your eyes, nose and throat.
Advice from the Department of Health is for people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina to avoid outdoor physical activity when there鈥檚 smoke around. People with asthma should follow their Asthma Action Plan and have their relieving medication with them. Call Triple Zero in case of emergency. Current air quality is on the website.
Fire retardants
The Department of Health also has a new page on . This includes information on how fire retardants work and their effects on human health.
鈥淭he fire retardants currently used in Australia are of low toxicity. Testing shows these chemicals can produce minor irritant effects before they are mixed with water. The concentrated powder may cause minor respiratory irritation to workers who are handling it. Gels can irritate eyes, airways and the skin. Workers are required to wear gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the powder.
鈥淩isk assessments carried out in the United States and in Victoria demonstrated that the risk of health effects was very low, even to people who are accidentally exposed to the fire retardants during their application. The health risk from drinking rain water contaminated with fire retardants is also low, but the water may taste and smell unpleasant and consumption should be avoided鈥.