What effect did bushfires have on air quality in 2007?
In 2007, Victoria experienced severe bushfires that started in December 2006 and continued through to January 2007. Major fires occurred in alpine areas, northeast Victoria, Gippsland and western Victoria. North-east Victoria and Gippsland were particularly affected by smoke during January. Air monitoring stations in Melbourne and rural areas recorded poor visibility and high particles levels (PM10) on many days in January when smoke was transported from the fires by the prevailing winds. Overall, however, the impact of the bushfires on air quality was lower than that experienced in December 2006. The bushfires in 2007 also led to unusually high levels of ozone. Bushfires emit large quantities of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, which can react to form ozone. Most bushfire affected monitoring stations reported elevated ozone concentrations on several occasions and reported at least one day in January when the ozone objectives were not met. For more information see Air Quality Durin
