Bushfire Smoke Air Quality Tips: Keeping Every Aussie Home Safe
The summer air is thick and smoky—windows are shut, but it still seeps in. You’re watching the skies, wondering if it’s safe for the kids to play inside. Or maybe you’re a firefighter, just off the fireground, stripping off your gear and worried about what you’re bringing home. No matter where you live—city, coast, or bush—bushfire smoke can reach your doorstep and affect your family’s health. Even on the “good” days, poor air quality can sneak up on anyone, especially those with asthma, young children, or the elderly.
This guide gives you real-world, practical tips for keeping your indoor air clean during bushfire smoke events—whether you’re at home, in a rental, caring for kids, managing respiratory issues, or leading a fire crew. We’ll cover simple DIY air purifier hacks, what air quality ratings actually mean, how to use air quality apps, and what to do if you—or someone in your household—is extra sensitive to smoke. No jargon, just the facts you need, plus a few things most people miss. Let’s get you and your crew breathing easier.
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Understanding Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality in Australia
Bushfire smoke is more than just a nuisance—it’s a mix of fine particles (PM2.5), gases, and other pollutants that can quickly drift hundreds of kilometres from the fire front. Some days, you’ll smell it before you see the haze. Other days, the sky turns a strange orange or grey, and your phone’s weather app suddenly warns of “hazardous” air. These tiny smoke particles can get deep into your lungs and trigger symptoms even if you’re fit and healthy. But for those with asthma, heart conditions, young kids, or elderly relatives, it’s much riskier.
Air quality ratings in Australia usually rely on “PM2.5” and “PM10” numbers, shown as an Air Quality Index (AQI). The lower the number, the safer the air. Once the AQI climbs above 100—or you see “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”—it’s time to act. The good news? With a bit of preparation, you can make your home a safe zone, even on the worst smoke days.
How to Prepare Your Home for Bushfire Smoke
Seal Your Space
Before smoke arrives, check doors and windows for gaps. Weatherstripping tape is cheap and quick to install, but even a rolled-up towel under a door can make a difference. Close off unused rooms to keep the “clean zone” as small as possible—usually your bedroom or living area.
Prepare an Air Purifier (or Make Your Own)
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are best for removing smoke particles. If you can, keep one in the main living area or bedroom. For renters or those on a budget, a DIY purifier works too: just tape a HEPA furnace filter to the back of a pedestal fan (the filter faces the back, so air gets sucked through it). Change the filter when it’s dirty—don’t wait for it to look black!
Stock Up on Supplies
It’s worth having extra inhalers, masks (P2/N95—not just cloth ones), bottled water, and easy-to-prepare food on hand before bushfire season. If someone in your household relies on medical equipment, plan for a backup power source and keep emergency contacts nearby.
Plan for Pets and Vulnerable Family Members
Pets feel smoke too—move their bedding into the cleanest room and bring outdoor pets inside. Check on elderly neighbours, people with disabilities, or anyone living alone. Little steps, like sharing your air purifier or helping tape up windows, can make a big difference.
Staying Informed: Using Air Quality Apps and Warnings
Air quality can change fast—sometimes within an hour. That’s why most firefighters (and anyone who’s been through a big smoke event) check air quality apps or state environment websites regularly. For the public, apps like “AirRater,” “AQICN,” or “Breathe Easy Australia” are worth downloading. They’ll show you PM2.5 levels, fire locations, and health alerts in real-time.
Even if you don’t usually check the weather, get in the habit during bushfire season. Set up notifications for your area, and listen for radio or emergency service updates. For details and official advice, use HealthDirect bushfire smoke health advice or your local authority’s site.
What To Do When Bushfire Smoke Reaches Your Area
Shut Down Entry Points Fast
Close all windows and doors, switch off evaporative coolers (they pull in outside air), and put a towel along window sills and under doors. If you have central air conditioning, switch it to “recirculate” mode. Turn on your air purifier or your DIY fan-filter setup.
Create a Clean Room
Pick one room (usually a bedroom) to keep as your main “clean air” space. Move essentials inside—water, medications, some snacks, entertainment for kids or pets. The goal is to make one place as smoke-free as possible, especially if the smoke hangs around for days.
Look After Yourself and Your Crew
Drink plenty of water—it helps your body handle smoke irritation. Avoid vacuuming (it stirs up particles), and don’t light candles or incense. If you must drive, keep car windows up and set the AC to recirculate. On the fireground, take breaks, clean your PPE, and keep an eye on each other for headaches, coughs, or trouble breathing.
Check in with Vulnerable People
Make sure anyone with asthma, heart problems, or special needs has what they need. If symptoms get worse, call for medical help early—don’t wait. This is a good time to text neighbours, friends, or your brigade to see who might need a hand.
Special Tips: Respiratory Conditions, Kids, and Pets During Smoke Events
If You or Someone at Home Has Asthma or COPD
Always keep medications and action plans handy. Have a spare inhaler in your clean room, and make sure it’s within expiry. Keep a printed version of your Asthma or COPD action plan on the fridge or by the bed. At the first sign of trouble, follow your plan—and let someone know.
For Babies, Children, and the Elderly
Children and older adults are more sensitive to smoke. Keep them indoors as much as possible and make sure they drink water often. Activities that stir up dust (like running around indoors) are best kept to a minimum. If you notice breathing changes, fatigue, or a sudden cough, seek help right away.
Pet Protection
Pets can get sick from smoke too—dogs and cats can cough or get lethargic. Move pets indoors, away from draughts and open windows. Make sure they have clean water and a comfy place to rest. Watch for unusual behaviour and call the vet if you’re concerned.
What About People with Disabilities or Mobility Challenges?
For those who rely on carers or medical devices, have an emergency contact list handy. Make sure backup batteries or generators are ready, and keep medications easy to reach. Don’t hesitate to ask neighbours or friends for help if the smoke hangs around.
DIY Air Purifiers and Home Air Cleaning: What Really Works?
Commercial HEPA Purifiers
These are the gold standard—look for a model rated for your room size, with a true HEPA filter. Clean or replace filters regularly. During bushfire season, run it on high when smoke is bad, and close doors/windows for best results.
DIY Fan & Filter Setups
If you can’t buy a purifier, a simple hack is to tape a HEPA-rated filter to the back of a box or pedestal fan (filter facing the intake side). It won’t catch everything, but it can reduce smoke particles in a small space. Make sure to check the filter every few days—it’ll clog faster than you think.
Wet Towels and “Old School” Hacks
Hanging wet towels or sheets over windows and doors can help trap larger particles, but it’s no substitute for a filter. Still, in a pinch, it’s better than nothing. Change towels when they dry out.
Don’t Fall for “Miracle” Gadgets
Be wary of ionisers, “ozone generators,” or any product claiming to “eliminate” all smoke with no filter. Many are ineffective—or can even make air quality worse indoors. Stick to HEPA, real filters, and proven strategies.
After the Smoke Clears: Airing Out and Recovery Steps
Air Out Your Home Safely
Once the air quality improves (AQI drops below 50 for a few hours), open windows and doors to flush out stale air. Do this early in the morning or late at night, when smoke is usually lowest. Run fans to help circulate fresh air.
Clean Surfaces and Filters
Wipe down benches, shelves, and window sills where dust and smoke particles settle. Wash or replace air filters, towels, and bedding used as barriers. This prevents old particles from being kicked back into the air.
Check in With Your Team, Family, and Community
It’s normal to feel tired or anxious after a big smoke event—talk it over with family, friends, or your crew. If symptoms linger (persistent cough, wheezing, or headaches), see your doctor or a health nurse for advice.
Common Mistakes and Lessons Learned from Past Fire Seasons
Underestimating How Fast Smoke Moves
It’s easy to think you’ll have plenty of warning—but smoke often arrives hours before a fire is close. Don’t wait for the smell or the haze—act as soon as air quality apps or warnings mention smoke.
Relying Only on Cloth Masks
Cloth and surgical masks don’t block fine smoke particles. Use a P2 or N95 mask for outdoor tasks or evacuating during heavy smoke. Fit matters—a leaky mask isn’t much use.
Not Practicing Clean Room Setup
Most people only think about air quality once smoke is inside. Practice setting up your “clean room” before you need it, and make sure everyone in the house knows what to do. Fire crews: set up a smoke-free recovery area at base where possible.
Skipping Gear Checks After a Smoke Event
For fire crews: Always clean PPE, masks, and vehicle filters after each shift. At home: Wash clothes and bedding that might have picked up smoke.
Related Guides:
- How to Prepare for a Bushfire: Steps for Every Home
- Bushfire Evacuation Kit Checklist
- Spring Fire Safety Prep for Families & Firefighters
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best quick way to keep my indoor air safe from bushfire smoke?
Shut all windows and doors, seal gaps with towels, and run a HEPA air purifier or a DIY fan-filter. Make a clean room where you and your family can spend most of your time until the air clears.
Q: Are home-made air purifiers actually effective?
Yes—for small rooms and short-term use. Taping a HEPA filter to a box fan can help reduce smoke particles, but isn’t as powerful as a commercial purifier. Change the filter regularly for best results.
Q: I have asthma—should I leave the area if smoke lingers?
If your symptoms get worse or your reliever isn’t helping, seek medical advice. Sometimes, leaving for a friend’s house or a community centre with clean air is safest. Have a plan ready for such days.
Q: Is it safe to exercise or work outside during a smoke event?
Avoid outdoor activities if you see haze or get air quality alerts. Even light exercise can make you breathe in more smoke. Wait for the air to improve before heading out, and use air quality apps for updates.
Q: For firefighting crews—how do we limit smoke exposure on the job?
Rotate tasks, take regular breaks away from thick smoke, wear your PPE correctly, and wash up after every shift. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or get a headache, let your team know and step back to recover.
Q: I’m a renter—what if I can’t seal my windows or install a purifier?
Use temporary fixes—like towels, draught stoppers, or cling wrap over window gaps. A DIY fan-filter costs little and can be packed away after the season. Talk to your property manager about long-term solutions.
Take a few minutes now to set up your “clean air” plan for your home, talk with your family, and check in with neighbours or crew. Small steps before smoke arrives make a world of difference—share this guide, and help others breathe easy too.
