Statements and advice

Staying safe from bushfire smoke

Inhaling bushfire smoke – even for short periods – can cause serious illnesses or worsen existing conditions. Find practical tips to keep yourself safe from bushfire smoke.

Why it’s important

Bushfire smoke contains tiny particles and gases that can affect your lungs, heart and overall wellbeing.

Breathing in bushfire smoke can cause or worsen health issues, including:

  • lung and respiratory illnesses – like asthma
  • heart disease
  • some cancers.

Bushfire smoke can linger long after the flames are gone and can travel far from the fire location. It can reach dangerous levels even inside buildings, especially when it lingers in an area for a long time.

During a bushfire, follow the advice of your local and state governments and emergency services. Your local ABC radio is a reliable source of information.

People at greater risk

Bushfire smoke can affect anybody, but can be especially dangerous for: 

  • children
  • older people
  • pregnant people
  • people with existing health conditions.

Preventing injury and disease

If you or anyone in your care has trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort, call 000 for an ambulance.

Getting ready for bushfire smoke

Preparing early for bushfires and smoke can save lives. It’s especially important if you care for others.

Take simple steps to minimise the risks from bushfire smoke:

  • Keep a supply of P2/N95 face masks at home.
  • If you rely on them, have your inhaler, medication and asthma action plans ready and accessible.
  • Have a backup plan for refrigerated medicines in case of power outages.
  • If you are pregnant or living with a chronic condition, speak to your healthcare professional for tailored advice.
  • Prepare your bushfire plan and keep family, friends and community services phone numbers handy.

When smoke is present

Check and follow any emergency warnings for threats from bushfires. Keep track of the air quality in your area through your state or territory website.

Outside

Avoid going outside when the air quality in your area is poor.

If you must go outside:

  • wear a properly fitted P2 or N95 respirator mask – they help filter out fine particles from the smoke
  • avoid strenuous exercise.

Inside

To keep smoke out of your home:

  • close your windows and doors, and seal any gaps that might let air inside with tape or damp towels
  • use a split system air conditioner or switch other types of air conditioners to recirculate if you can
  • use an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter – always make sure it’s the right size for the room
  • avoid using evaporative coolers, as they bring outside air inside.

If you are sensitive to smoke, it’s important to actively monitor symptoms and follow the health management plan recommended by your doctor.

If it’s safe to travel, try to spend time in places with cleaner air, including:

  • air-conditioned public buildings – like libraries and shopping centres
  • areas not affected by the smoke.

After the smoke clears

When the smoke has cleared, it’s important to bring fresh air back into your home.

  • Open windows and doors – even if the smoke clears only for a short time.
  • Clean surfaces that have collected ash or soot.
  • Monitor your health for any ongoing symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.

It’s also important to take care of your mental health after a natural disaster.

Living through bushfires and smoke exposure can be stressful. Support is available – see a full list of support services.

More information

For more information and support, see:

For advice from your state or territory authority on air quality readings, go to:

For advice from your state or territory authority on bushfires, go to:       

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