Smoke is a mixture of airborne particles, water vapour and other gases. Breathing in smoke can be harmful to your health.

Smoke from bushfires and landfill, peat, tyre and coal fires can impact the quality of our air. If it’s smoky outside, protect your health by following our guidance.

We monitor air quality and report smoke incidents across Victoria.

What to do when it's smoky outside

Smoke can affect your health. You can protect yourself by staying away from smoky air.

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside, but only if it’s safe to do so.

Remember to:

• keep your windows and doors shut
• switch your air conditioner to ‘recirculate’
• take a break from the smoky conditions – for example, visit a friend or go to a large air-conditioned location
• air out your house when the smoke clears.

When it’s smoky, take care of your health, especially if you're sensitive to air pollution . You can do this by:

• reducing physical activity
• following your treatment plan if you have a heart or lung condition
• following your asthma action plan
• seeing your doctor or calling NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 if you’re worried about your symptoms
• calling 000 if you experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing.

Read next

Learn about smoke from fire

How EPA gauges the health risk from smoke

Smoke from a bushfire

Smoke from a landfill fire

Smoke from a peat fire

Smoke from a tyre fire

Smoke from a brown coal mine fire

Ash from a brown coal mine fire