Bushfires have the potential to cause a number of environmental health concerns beyond the immediate damage caused by the fire.
The Victorian Bushfire Information Line provides information during and after major bushfire incidents. It also offers information to help householders, landowners and small businesses reduce bushfire risk.
For more information and factsheets, see Our role in emergencies.
The department and Environment Protection (EPA) have important roles in environmental public health and promoting improved community health and wellbeing.
Smoke from fires and public health
EPA's responsibilities
EPA is responsible for managing impacts from past, present and potential future waste and pollution events. In particular, the EPA provides information, advice and warnings about the impacts of smoke from fires (industrial, planned burns or bushfires) on the environment and community health.
Visit EPA's webpage for more information about smoke and how to protect your health.
Department of Health responsibilities
The Department of Health is responsible for managing environmental health queries that are not related to pollution or waste. This includes radiation safety, food safety, drinking water safety, communicable diseases, extreme heat, and climate change health impacts.
Visit the Environmental Health page for more information.
Community cleaner air spaces – guidance for local government
People most at risk from smoke exposure include those with existing heart or lung conditions including asthma, children (up to 14 years), adults over 65 years, pregnant women, smokers and outdoor workers.
Supporting people when air quality is heavily impacted by bushfire smoke - Guidance for local government provides information to assist local government environmental health officers, building engineers and emergency management professionals in planning for temporary cleaner (and cooler) air spaces for community respite when outdoor air is heavily impacted by bushfire smoke.
Planned burns
Forest Fire Management Victoria works to keep communities safe year-round by reducing the risk of bushfires across the state. For information on planned burns near you visit the Planned webpage, including the option to be notified when a planned burn is close to being ignited. This includes information on Smoke – how to deal with smoke in bushfire .
Community fact sheets
- Bushfire smoke and your health
Bushfire smoke – what is it?
Bushfire smoke is a mixture of different-sized particles, water vapour and gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
The larger particles contribute to the visible haze when a fire is burning. They are generally too large to be breathed deeply into the lungs but can irritate the nose and throat.
Finer particles and gases are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and can cause health effects.
How can bushfire smoke affect my health?
How smoke affects you depends on your age, pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease, and the length of time you are exposed to the smoke.
Signs of smoke irritation include itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose and coughing. Healthy adults usually find that after a short exposure to smoke these symptoms clear up once they are away from the smoke.
Young children, people over 65, smokers, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions (including asthma) and diabetes, are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in fine particles. Symptoms may worsen and include wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
It is very important that people with pre-existing health conditions take their medication, follow their treatment plan, and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms persist.
Protecting your health
- Avoid physical activity outdoors (exercise allows more fine particles to be breathed deeper into the lungs). People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions in particular, should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke.
- Anyone with a heart or lung condition or diabetes, should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor and keep at least five days supply of medication on hand.
- People with asthma should follow their personal asthma plan.
- When smoke is in the air, but a fire is not directly threatening you, stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
- If you operate an air conditioner during smoky conditions, switch it to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ to reduce smoke coming inside your home.
- If you do not have an air conditioner, take steps to reduce heat stress, especially for the very young, people who are unwell, or the elderly. Information on staying healthy in the heat is available at:
- If your home gets too hot to be comfortable take an air-conditioned break at a local community library or shopping centre.
- Take the opportunity to air out your home to improve indoor air quality when it is less smoky.
- When you’re inside don’t smoke, burn candles, use unflued gas appliances, woodstoves or stir up fine dust from sweeping or vacuuming.
- During extended, very smoky conditions, sensitive individuals should consider temporarily staying with a friend or relative living outside the smoke-affected area. Outdoor sporting events may also be postponed by event organisers.
What about wearing a facemask?
Ordinary paper dust masks, handkerchiefs or bandannas do not filter out fine particles from bushfire smoke and are generally not very useful in protecting your lungs.
Face masks (called ‘P2’ masks) filter bushfire smoke providing greater protection against inhaling fine particles. They are available at most hardware stores.
However, before deciding to wear a mask you should understand that:
- they can be hot and uncomfortable to wear and they can make it harder for you to breathe normally. Anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition should seek medical advice before using them
- the masks only work effectively if there is a good seal around your nose and mouth (facial hair makes it difficult to get an effective seal)
- the masks do not filter out gases such as carbon monoxide
- it is better to stay indoors, away from smoke.
For further information
Your safety
If you see smoke haze, check for fire warnings in your area:
- Listen to your local radio station for updates.
- Visit VicEmergency:
- Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. TTY users should use the National Relay Service (phone 1800 555 677) then ask for 1800 240 667.
Smoke and health
- Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 if you are experiencing any discomfort that may be due to smoke exposure such as itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose or coughing.
- Call 000 if anyone is having difficulty breaking, wheezing or tightness in the chest.
- For further information about asthma go to the Asthma Foundation of Victoria’s website at: asthma.org.au or call 1800 278 462.
Air quality and bushfire smoke
For information on air quality and smoke impacts from bushfires visit the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria .
In your language
- After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safetyAfter a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety
If you live in a bushfire-affected area your drinking water tank could have become contaminated from debris, ash, dead animals or aerial fire retardants.
If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals.
Water from a river or creek should never be used for drinking or preparing food unless it has been properly treated.
Water drawn from deep bores or wells should be safe to use.
How can I prevent my drinking water tank from becoming contaminated?
Prior to a bushfire:
- ensure your tank is properly sealed and maintained
- disconnect the downpipes to your tanks as soon as there is a bushfire risk.
After a bushfire:
- only reconnect the downpipes when the roof has been cleaned (either manually or after a good flush of rain).
What if it rains before I can disconnect the downpipes?
- Prior to using your water inspect your roof, gutters and if possible look inside your tank for signs of contamination.
- Water testing is not necessary because contamination is usually obvious.
- If your water has been contaminated the taste, colour or smell, will change.
- Contaminated water should not be used for drinking or preparing food. Use an alternate supply for drinking.
- Tank water that is not suitable for drinking can be used on the garden.
What do I do if there are dead animals in my drinking water system?
Wear gloves to remove dead animals from your roof, your gutters or in your tank. Dispose gloves after use, and disinfect your tank water before re-using it. Water can be disinfected by bringing the water to a rolling boil, or by using chlorine (bleach).
To boil water for drinking purposes: bring water to a boil by heating water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubble is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Kettles with automatic shut off switches are suitable.
To disinfect your tank water using chlorine, use the following instructions.
For every 1,000 litres of water in your tank you can safely add:
- approximately 125 mL or 125 g of 4 per cent chlorine household bleach (avoid bleaches that contain detergents or perfumes), or
- approximately 40 mL or 40 g of 12.5 per cent chlorine liquid swimming pool or dairy factory chlorine, or
- approximately 8 mL or 8 g of 65 per cent granular ‘swimming pool’ chlorine.
Note: one teaspoon is approximately five grams.Wait at least 24 hours before using the water to allow for microorganisms to be destroyed.
After chlorinating, you should wait at least 24 hours before using the water to allow for microorganisms to be destroyed.
How soon after a fire can I use my drinking water tank?
If the water in your tank has not been contaminated, the water should be safe to drink. However, do not reconnect your downpipes until your roof has been cleaned or after a good flush of rain.
- Only clean the ash and debris from your roof and gutters when it is safe to do so.
- It should not be necessary to clean your tank after a fire unless it is grossly polluted or smells and tastes unusual as a result of aerial fire retardants.
- If you want your tank cleaned it is best to employ a specialist. Working in a confined space is dangerous.
For further information
- For local water cartage or tank cleaners, contact the environmental health section of your local council.
- For general information on fires in Victoria, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
In your language
Arabic - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyAssyrian - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyBurmese - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetySimplified Chinese After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyCroatian - After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safetyDari - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyDinka - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyPersian - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyGreek - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyGujarati- After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyHazaragi - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyItalian - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyKaren - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyKhmer - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyKurdish - After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safetyMacedonian - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyTurkish - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safetyVietnamese - After a fire - private drinking water and water tank safety - After a fire: returning home safely
Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards including fallen objects, sharp objects, smouldering coals, damaged electrical wires, leaking gas and weakened walls.
Hazardous materials to be aware of after a fire include:
- asbestos
- ashes, especially from burnt treated timbers (such as copper chrome arsenate or ‘CCA’)
- dust
- garden or farm chemicals
- LP gas cylinders
- medicines
- metal and other residues from burnt household appliances
- other general chemicals (for example, cleaning products).
Check with your local emergency services that it is safe to return to your property. Where possible, try to avoid taking children onto fire-damaged properties. If you do, ensure they remain protected at all times.
Take care of yourself
Wear protective clothing including:
- sturdy footwear and heavy-duty work gloves
- disposable coveralls (with long sleeves and trousers)
- P2 face masks.
When leaving the property, pack your gloves, coveralls and face mask into a garbage bag. Wash your hands after removing contaminated clothing and articles. Clean your shoes before wearing them again.
For safety reasons, try to limit the time spent at your property. However, if you will be there for an extended period, remember to bring with you:
- bottled drinking water
- food (perishable food should be kept cool in an esky or cooler bag)
- sunscreen
- a hat.
Returning to your property may be stressful and exhausting. It is important that you look after yourself. Specialist counselling and support services are available through your local government relief and recovery centre.
Handling waste
It is unsafe to spread or disturb ash around your property, particularly if CCA-treated timber was burnt. If materials containing asbestos in your home or other structures are damaged, they can now be harmful.
Food
All foods that have been fire-damaged or affected by heat should be thrown out. This includes all perishable and non-perishable foods, for example, cans or packaged foods. Power outages can leave perishable foods that may have been refrigerated unsafe to eat.
Water tanks
Bushfires generate large amounts of smoke and ash, and your tank water could have become contaminated from debris and ash or dead animals. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual do not drink it or give it to animals.
Septic tanks
Your septic tank may have been weakened in the fire, so do not drive or walk over it. If you suspect your septic tank has been physically damaged, contact a licensed plumber to have it assessed.
In your language
After a fire - returning home safely - ArabicAfter a fire - returning home safely - AssyrianAfter a fire - returning home safely - BurmeseAfter a fire - returning home safely - Simplified ChineseAfter a fire - returning home safely - CroatianAfter a fire - returning home safely - DariAfter a fire - returning home safely - DinkaAfter a fire - returning home safely - GreekAfter a fire - returning home safely - GujaratiAfter a fire - returning home safely - HazaragiAfter a fire - returning home safely - ItalianAfter a fire - returning home safely - KarenAfter a fire - returning home safely - KhmerAfter a fire - returning home safely - Kurdish SoraniAfter a fire - returning home safely - MacedonianAfter a fire - returning home safely - NuerAfter a fire - returning home safely - PersianAfter a fire: returning home safely TagalogAfter a fire - returning home safely - TamilAfter a fire: returning home safely - ThaiAfter a fire - returning home safely - TurkishAfter a fire - returning home safely - Vietnamese - After a fire: using your personal protective kitAfter a fire: using your personal protective kit
Protective kits are for people returning to properties affected by fire. They are available from your local council or an emergency recovery centre, along with additional masks, disposable coveralls and sturdy gloves.
Kits should only be used for personal protection during property inspections.
They are not for asbestos removal or clean-up.The information sheet After a fire: returning home safely is included in the kit, which details the health and safety considerations that you should know before re-entering your property.
Each protective kit contains:
- disposable coveralls
- a disposable P2 face mask
- sturdy gloves
- a garbage bag to dispose of used protective equipment
Information sheets:
- After a fire: returning home safely
- After a fire: using your personal protective kit.
How many kits will I need?
As the protective equipment is disposable and should not be re-used, several kits may be required for each person, depending on the time spent at the property.
Masks, coveralls and gloves should be removed and thrown away:
- whenever you break from work
- when you leave your property
- before entering vehicles.
Wearing sturdy footwear that can be easily cleaned or washed down when leaving your property is recommended.
How to use the protective equipment:
- Follow the instructions over the page for guidance on fitting the mask – be aware that beards and moustaches prevent men from getting a good seal with masks.
Coveralls should be worn over your clothing.
To remove and dispose of the protective equipment:
- Disposable coveralls should be peeled off inside out and placed in the bag.
- Gloves should be removed and placed in the bag.
- Thoroughly wash down footwear if not being thrown away.
- Remove the face mask last, placing it in the bag.
- Seal the bag tightly by tying a knot.
- Dispose of the bag at any refuse collection point.
Further information
Contact your local council or an emergency recovery centre for more protective kits or if you have questions about using the kit.
In your language
68083 Arabic_After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Assyrian After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Burmese After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Simplified Chinese After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Croatian After a fire using your personal protective kit February 2021Dari After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Dinka After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Greek After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Gujarati After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Hazaragi After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Italian After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Khmer_After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Kurdish Sorani After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Macedonian After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021Nuer After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Persian After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Tamil_After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 201668083 Turkish_After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 202168083 Vietnamese_After a fire - using your personal protective kit - February 2021 - Guidelines for use of face masks
This information has been developed by the Department of Health to provide advice on the use of P2 and N95 face masks in fire affected areas.
Are all face masks the same?
No. Ordinary paper dust masks, surgical masks, handkerchiefs or bandannas do not protect you from fine particles in the air. P2 and N95 masks both help reduce inhalation of these particles
Will a P2 or N95 mask provide total protection?
No. P2 and N95 masks don’t provide complete protection. They do not remove or protect against carbon monoxide.
What are the benefits of wearing a P2 or N95 mask?
Fitted properly, a P2 or N95 mask can filter out some of the fine particles in the air. Make sure the mask is fitted properly and a good seal has been achieved.
The mask should be sealed over the bridge of the nose and mouth, and there should be no gaps between the mask and face.
Men should be clean shaven to get a good seal. See page 2 for a fit guide.
How long can I wear the mask?
The mask should be disposed of after four hours of continuous wear or when it becomes moist.
Masks should be replaced after each use.
For high particle exposures, the mask will load up with particles and become harder to breathe through. If you notice this restriction, change the mask.
If the filter is damaged in any way, e.g. the straps are broken, you need to replace it
Are there any problems with P2 or N95 masks?
P2 and N95 masks can be very hot and uncomfortable and can make it harder for you to breathe normally. If the mask isn’t fitted properly or becomes loaded up with dust particles from extended use, it will be less effective
Is there anyone who shouldn’t wear a P2 or N95 mask?
Anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition should try to seek medical advice before using a face mask.
These masks are not designed for children
What else can I do to protect my family from the smoke and ash?
- Avoid all outdoor physical activity.
- Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor.
- People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.
- Switch air-conditioners to recirculate. If they do not have that function, turn them off. Try to take an air-conditioned break elsewhere if it is safe to do so and your home is uncomfortable.
- Reduce activities that affect indoor air quality, like smoking cigarettes, burning candles or vacuuming
Where can I get more information?
- Visit for updates on air quality information and what actions you need to take. Air quality information is also available at the EPA AirWatch website .
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for updated incident information as well as access to support services.
- Keep up to date with community newsletters produced by the local Incident Control Centre, which are available at or at local relief centres.
Check the EPA website for general information on Smoke and Your Health at Smoke and your
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See Power blackouts
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What do I need to do to keep food safe?
Before and after a power failure
- Try to keep cold and frozen food as cold as possible. This is the most important thing. If food is still cold to touch (less than 5 °C), it is safe to use.
- Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, it can be kept and eaten for up to four hours and then it must be thrown away or, if it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten.
- Eat hot food within four hours of it being hot, or throw it away.
- If the power comes back on when frozen food is still solid the food is safe to refreeze.
Things to do during a power failure
- Move food from the fridge to the freezer.
- If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if the power failure lasts more than one hour.
- Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food where possible.
- Only open the fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary. This will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer.
Power outages: food safety after a power failureIn your language
Assyrian Power outages - food safety after a power failureBurmese Power outages - food safety after a power failureDari Power outages - food safety after a power failureGreek Power outages - food safety after a power failureGujarati Power outages - food safety after a power failureHazaragi Power outages - food safety after a power failureItalian Power outages - food safety after a power failureKurdish Sorani Power outages - food safety after a power failureMacedonian Power outages - food safety after a power failureNuer Power outages - food safety after a power failurePersian Power outages - food safety after a power failureSimplified Chinese Power outages - food safety after a power failureTamil Power outages - food safety after a power failureVietnamese - Power outages - food safety after a power failure
Reviewed 12 September 2024