Air quality & bushfire smoke in Australia
Current fine-particle (PM2.5) and PM10 air quality from ground monitoring stations — updated . Bushfire smoke is mostly PM2.5, so air quality drops sharply near fires. These are observations; a modelled smoke forecast (CAMS) is a separate layer.
PM2.5 categories & what to do
Good — under 25
Air quality is good. Enjoy usual activities.
Fair — 25 to 50
Acceptable for most. Very sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
Poor — 50 to 100
Sensitive groups (heart or lung conditions, older adults, children, pregnant people) should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.
Very poor — 100 to 300
Everyone should reduce outdoor activity. Sensitive groups should avoid it and stay indoors with windows closed.
Hazardous — 300+
Everyone should avoid outdoor activity. Keep indoors, run a clean-air space if you can, and follow health advice.
Monitoring stations
| Station | PM2.5 | PM10 | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospect | 13.1 µg/m³ | 21 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Macquarie Park | 10.9 µg/m³ | 21.2 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Ultimo-uts | 9.1 µg/m³ | 30.5 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Quirindi | 4.4 µg/m³ | 15 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Goulburn | 3.7 µg/m³ | 15.8 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Coffs Harbour | 2.6 µg/m³ | 5.9 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Gunnedah | 1.3 µg/m³ | 8 µg/m³ | GOOD |
| Narrabri | 1.3 µg/m³ | 4 µg/m³ | GOOD |
Bushfire smoke and your health
Smoke from bushfires and hazard-reduction burns is mostly fine particles (PM2.5) that can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Even healthy people can get sore eyes, a runny nose and a cough; people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, older adults, babies and children, and pregnant people are more sensitive and should act at lower smoke levels.
When it is smoky, stay indoors with doors and windows closed, avoid vigorous outdoor activity, keep reliever medication handy, and use a well-fitted P2/N95 mask if you must be outside. Follow the advice from your state health department and fire agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is PM2.5 and why does bushfire smoke matter?
PM2.5 is fine particle pollution under 2.5 microns — small enough to reach deep into the lungs and the bloodstream. Bushfire smoke is largely PM2.5, which is why air quality drops sharply near fires.
Who is most at risk from smoke?
People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), older adults, babies and children, and pregnant people are more sensitive. They should take action at lower smoke levels.
What can I do when the air is smoky?
Stay indoors with doors and windows closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, use a well-fitted P2/N95 mask if you must go out, and follow your health plan. See the categories above for level-by-level advice.
What is the difference between PM2.5 and PM10?
PM2.5 are the finest particles (under 2.5 microns) that penetrate deepest into the lungs — the main concern in bushfire smoke. PM10 includes larger particles up to 10 microns, such as dust and pollen. We show both where a station reports them.
Do air purifiers and masks help?
A HEPA air purifier sized for the room can lower indoor PM2.5, and a well-fitted P2/N95 respirator filters fine particles when worn correctly. Cloth and surgical masks offer far less protection against smoke.
Why does the reading near me differ from how it looks or smells?
Stations are point measurements and smoke is patchy, so your local air can be worse or better than the nearest station. Trust your senses: if it looks or smells smoky, treat the air as poor even if the nearest station reads lower.