What effect did bushfires have on air quality in 2006?
In 2006, Victoria experienced severe bushfires from late November through December (and continuing into January 2007). North-east Victoria and Gippsland were particularly affected by smoke during December. Stations in Melbourne and rural areas recorded poor visibility and high particles levels (PM10) on many days in December when smoke was transported from the fires by the prevailing winds. Major fires occurred in alpine areas, northeast Victoria, Gippsland and western Victoria. Fine particles, as measured by visibility reduction, reached levels of between two and four times greater than the previously recorded highest levels at Melbourne stations. Victorias air quality was also impacted by bushfires in January 2006. The bushfires in 2006 also led to unusually high levels of ozone. Bushfires emit large quantities of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, which can react to form ozone. All monitoring stations in Melbourne, Geelong and the Latrobe Valley that monitored ozone in December 20
