news, local-news,

HIGH levels of smoke across the North-West Coast has led to advice to stay indoors. At 2.11pm today Public Health Services (PHS) advised the local community to avoid the smoky-air caused by dense bushfire smoke. DHHS Acting Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the warnings were applicable for the North-West and North of Tasmania - but particularly applicable to Smithton. ''Residents can reduce exposure to smoke by: staying inside; closing doors, vents and window; and switching air conditioners to re-circulate - along with avoiding physical activity if it is smoky outdoors,'' he said. ''Organisers of outdoor and sporting events should carefully consider the conditions and any risk these pose to vulnerable participants.'' Those with health conditions should avoid breathing in the outside air, particularly in the Circular Head region. ''Some people at greater risk of health effects from smoke. People with lung and heart conditions, chronic medical conditions, young children and the elderly are more likely to be affected. Pregnant women should also minimise their exposure to the smoke,'' Dr Veitch said. ''You may wish to reduce risk by spending time elsewhere until conditions improve. ''If you have asthma you should follow your plan and check you have enough medications. ''If you have a medical condition and your symptoms get worse despite your usual medications, seek urgent medical advice.'' The smoke reached very high levels on Friday night and into today, and will continue, Dr Veitch said. ''The fire and weather conditions mean that these conditions may last for at least 2 or 3 more days.'' - Other towns along the northern coast and east to the Meander Valley and Northern Midlands are also experiencing increased smoke. To check the smoke levels near where you live use the Environment Protection Authority’s real-time air quality data at http://epa.tas.gov.au/epa/real-time-air-quality-data-for-tasmania Another useful link is the PHS Fact Sheet on Outdoor Smoke and your Health at http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/alerts/air/bushfire_smoke The Tasmania Fire Service provides up-to-date information on current fires on their list and map of alerts at http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-32BXNKNwDWpF9G25wvuaTZ9/eb177a21-b149-4bdf-a09d-431d3eb7310d.jpg/r0_253_540_558_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg