Bushfire Preparation Advice

Overview

Bushfires are large, fast-moving fires that burn through dry grass, shrubs, or forests. From a health point of view, preparing for a bushfire means making a plan to keep you and your family safe from the fire itself, the smoke, and the heat. It also means making sure your regular medicines and health conditions are covered if you need to leave home or stay indoors for days.

Bushfires are a regular part of life in many regions of Australia and other hot, dry parts of the world. Because of this, general practice teams routinely help patients prepare for fire season every year.

Anyone who lives, works, or travels in or near bushland, grasslands, or rural areas can be affected. Babies and young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with lung or heart conditions are more sensitive to smoke and heat.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A cough that is new or worse than usual
• A scratchy, sore, or dry throat
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Burning, red, or watery eyes
• Headache or feeling unusually tired

Symptoms in children

• Faster breathing than normal or pulling in of the chest with each breath
• A cough that will not settle
• Being unusually quiet, tired, or clingy
• Refusing to drink or feed as well as usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Becoming short of breath with efforts that used to be easy
• Dizziness, confusion, or feeling unsteady
• Chest pain, pressure, or a racing heart
• Worsening of existing heart or lung symptoms

Causes

Main causes

• Bushfires can start naturally, usually after lightning strikes in dry areas.
• People also start many bushfires, sometimes by accident — for example, from an unattended campfire, machinery sparks, or a discarded cigarette.
• Health problems during a bushfire are mostly caused by breathing in smoke and by extreme heat, not by the flames themselves if you are at a safe distance.

Risk factors

• Living close to bushland, forests, or large grassy areas
• Hot, dry, and windy weather conditions
• Having asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
• Being pregnant, under 5, or over 65
• Not having an emergency plan or enough supply of regular medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Go to the nearest emergency department or call your local emergency number if you or someone else has severe breathing problems, chest pain, or signs of confusion during a bushfire.
• See a doctor the same day if you have a health condition and your symptoms are getting worse despite following your plan.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Book a check-up with your GP before fire season to review your health, your medicines, and your written action plan.
• If you have asthma, ask your GP to update your written asthma action plan so you know exactly what to do during smoky days.

Diagnosis

Bushfire preparation is not a diagnosis. Instead, your GP will assess your personal health risks by asking about your medical history, your home environment, and how close you are to bushland.

Tests that may be done

• A lung function check (spirometry) if you have breathing problems
• A review of your heart or lung condition and your regular medicines
• A check that your prescriptions are up to date and you have enough supply

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain how smoke and heat may affect you, help you write or update a personal health plan, and advise on things like when to stay indoors, what to pack, and how to manage your medicines during an emergency.

Treatment

There is no medicine to prevent the effects of a bushfire, but treatment focuses on protecting your airways, managing existing health conditions, and acting quickly if symptoms develop.

Self-care at home

• Stay indoors with windows and doors shut when smoke is heavy
• Use a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter if you have one, and keep the room cool
• Keep a supply of your regular medicines in one safe place, including a 'go bag' with several days' worth
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid vigorous outdoor activity
• Wear a proper protective mask (such as an N95 or P2 mask) if you must go outside in heavy smoke

Medical treatments

Your doctor may adjust your regular treatment plan temporarily during fire season — for example, updating your inhaler plan, adding a spacer, or reviewing your heart medicines. Any changes should be discussed with your doctor and followed exactly as prescribed.

Living with this condition

During fire season, keep your plan handy and check local warnings daily. Store important documents, medicines, water, and essential items in a bag that is ready to grab, and make sure everyone in your home knows the plan.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your home as smoke-free as possible by closing windows and using filters
• Maintain a clear space around your home by clearing dry leaves and branches
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you
• Stay connected with neighbours and community groups for support

Diet and exercise

Eat well and drink enough water to stay strong and hydrated. On smoky days, choose indoor exercise and avoid heavy physical activity outdoors, especially if you have a lung or heart condition.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed before, during, and after a bushfire threat. Preparing early and having a clear plan can help reduce worry. If anxiety is affecting sleep, work, or daily life, talk to a health professional.

Prevention

Bushfires themselves cannot always be prevented, but many of the health harms can be. With early preparation, a good plan, and sensible precautions, you can dramatically reduce your risk of injury, smoke exposure, and complications.

Vaccines

Keeping your routine vaccinations up to date — including the annual flu vaccine — helps prevent extra illness that could make you more vulnerable during fire season.

Screening programmes

A regular health check before fire season can screen for underlying conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease, that may need to be managed more closely during the fire risk months.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worsening of asthma, COPD, or other long-term lung conditions
• Added strain on the heart, which can lead to chest pain or heart problems
• Severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke
• Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or ongoing worry after a fire event

Long-term outlook

Most people who prepare for bushfires come through safely and recover fully from smoke exposure once the air clears. Having a plan, staying informed, and looking after each other can make a challenging time more manageable.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ↗

Local organisations

• NHS ↗ · United Kingdom

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