Since last summer the EPA has added 49 new regional air quality monitoring stations, including in Shepparton, Benalla and Mansfield.
The EPA will issue twice-daily forecasts on Twitter, and the AirWatch website will have live data 24 hours a day.
EPA chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor said AirWatch now offered live air quality data from 90 stations.
“Each summer carries with it the risk of bushfires and AirWatch is designed to equip Victorians to take action to protect their health,” Prof Taylor said.
“AirWatch tweets twice-daily forecasts for each region, and offers actions you can take to reduce the effects of smoke on your home, your health and your family.”
AirWatch is at epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/airwatch and you can select the region in a map.
The scientists in EPA’s forecast team use a range of tools including weather forecasts, satellite imagery and smoke modelling, backed up by on-the-ground information from the AirWatch network.
“During summer bushfires people want to know if there is going to be smoke, and how smoky it is going to be,” Prof Taylor said.
“They need current conditions, a reliable prediction for tomorrow, and professional advice on what do to protect themselves.”
Air quality sensors in regional cities and country towns are based with local VICSES volunteer units and CFA volunteer brigades, and in some cases with educational institutions.
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