VicEmergecncy issued an air quality warning last night for smoke across Victoria.
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Community members are advised that they will see or smell smoke across parts of Victoria as a result of fires in South East Victoria.
It may be smoky or hazy in your area and exposure to smoke may be variable.
North East Weather District
Smoke may be visible across the North East weather district.
In the alpine area, there is little smoke impact, except in localised valley areas very close to the South East fires.
Air quality levels are expected to remain in the low health category.
East Gippsland Weather District
Smoke may be visible across the East Gippsland weather district.
Lighter northerly winds may increase the amount of smoke at night but clear in the morning.
Air quality levels are likely to reach the unhealthy sensitive health category.
West and South Gippsland Weather District
Light winds will result in poor smoke dispersion across West Gippsland.
Air quality levels are likely to remain in the unhealthy sensitive health category and in some local areas the unhealthy all health category.
The Latrobe Valley will experience smoke effects until Sunday.
Smoke will not be well dispersed and will drift up and down the Valley without clearing.
Levels are likely to reach the unhealthy sensitive health category and the local unhealthy all health categories at times.
Central Weather District
Smoke is unlikely to affect Melbourne during the day.
Light easterly winds may bring smoke into the eastern suburbs.
This is not likely to be significant, except in the most eastern suburbs.
Air quality levels around Melbourne will remain in the low to moderate health category.
On Sunday the situation is expected to improve and clear with stronger northerly winds developing.
Localised smoke impacts are likely throughout the Yarra Valley until Sunday.
Air quality in the Yarra Valley may reach the unhealthy sensitive health category, with some localised impacts reaching the unhealthy all health category.
Smoke will likely clear on Sunday.
North Central and Northern Country Weather Districts
Smoke may be visible across the North Central and North Country Weather Districts.
Mallee, Wimmera, and South West Weather Districts
Smoke is unlikely to be visible in the Mallee, Wimmera, or South West Weather Districts.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
What you should do:
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
If you have concerns about your health you should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Smoke and your health:
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
You will be more sensitive to smoke if you have a heart or lung condition (including asthma), are pregnant, or are over 65.
Children up to 14 are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
If you are sensitive to smoke you should limit prolonged or heavy physical activity.
Where possible you should try to stay indoors.
If you have a heart or lung conditions you should take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
If you are asthmatic, follow your asthma plan and carry reliever medication with you.
For more information about smoke and your health visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/air/smoke