A THICK haze originating from bushfire zones has impacted Mount Gambier’s air quality in recent days, with more smokey mornings expected as south-easterly winds push smoke towards the district.
Health authorities have warned vulnerable people to exercise caution outdoors during the smoke events, but South Australia Ambulance Service operations manager Sandy Johnston said the health service had not seen an increase in respiratory issues at this stage.
Smoke from fires blazing in western Victoria and as far as East Gippsland are being pushed into South Australia due to south-easterly winds on the northern flank of a high pressure system, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Mr Johnston said although he had not witnessed an increase of respiratory issues in the Blue Lake city, he reminded residents who were sensitive to air quality to stay vigilant.
“High levels of smoke can aggravate respiratory conditions,” he said.
“People with health concerns are advised to avoid exposure to smoke and dust and stay indoors.
“Avoid outdoor exercise or strenuous activity if you are affected by smoke and set your air conditioning on recycle to keep smoke out of the home.
“As the bushfires continue, air quality will be impacted for an extended period of time, so it is important to stay vigilant.”
Mr Johnston also reminded people with asthma to carry their reliever medication at all times and have an action plan in place.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Meteorology said the weather service could not determine when the smoke would clear.
“Smoke may begin to clear in the afternoons, but then may reappear in the mornings,” the spokesperson said.
“The southeasterly system from Victoria is expected to continue until at least Thursday.
“With fires still burning across Victoria, we are likely to continue to have smoke for the foreseeable future.”
The Health and Wellbeing Department remind anyone requiring urgent medical attention to call 000.
