Prescribed burns being undertaken in NSW and the ACT have led to some beautiful hazy Canberra sunsets over the last few nights.
Some may have also had a whiff of smoke or a bit of difficulty breathing due to pre-existing respiratory issues.
Smoke haze is likely to be visible over the course of this week due to the prescribed burns, which will most likely occur in the late afternoon and evening and may intermittently reduce air quality across the ACT.
A series of prescribed burns have been conducted by ACT Parks and Conservation Service this month.
Today, a prescribed burn is taking place in the Namadgi National Park to reduce the fire risk and assist in the protection of the Bendora Dam catchment.
On Monday 12 April prescribed burns took place at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and along the Cotter River.
The burn at Tidbinbilla was conducted to improve grass tree health and protect cultural assets.
The burn along the Cotter River was to assist the protection of the Cotter Water Catchment.
A number of additional prescribed and cultural burns will take place across the ACT over autumn 2021, more information can be can be found here.
People with asthma and other respiratory conditions, who can be particularly sensitive to outdoor smoke, can take the following precautions to help minimise health effects of smoke if air quality is impacted during this period:
- Avoid outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath
- When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better
- Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor
- If you have asthma, have your reliever puffer available
Canberrans who suffer from asthma should also make sure their treatment and action plans are up-to-date.
For further information on managing your health during smoky conditions, and to see the current air quality health advice for your area, visit the ACT Health Directorate Air Quality Health Advice Portal.
Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their health practitioner, and anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical assistance. In the event of a medical emergency call 000.
The ACT Health Directorate will continue to monitor air quality and will advise the community if additional public health advice is needed.
Another useful resource to help Canberrans is the free AirRater Smartphone app which provides users with real-time information on air quality.
Click here to download the free AirRater smartphone application.
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