Landfill is a place that accepts different types of industrial, commercial and household waste. Vehicle tyres are usually stored at specialised tyre dumps.
Landfill and tyre fires can be difficult to put out and may burn for hours and sometimes days.
Smoke from a landfill fire contains fine particles, water vapour and gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide. Smoke from a tyre fire is usually thick and black and contains a number of substances, including fine particles, oxides of sulphur, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Other substances may also be present, depending on what is burning.
If you do not need to be in the area, stay away from a landfill or tyre fire. If you live or work near the fire, avoid the smoke as much as possible.
Stay indoors away from the smoke and reduce physical activity. Keep windows and doors closed.
People with a heart or lung condition, including asthma, children (up to 14 years), pregnant women and people over 65 years of age are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
If you have a heart or lung condition, take your medication as prescribed. Asthmatics should follow their personal asthma action plan and keep reliever medication on hand.
For regular updates on what you should do, listen to your local emergency radio station or visit VicEmergency.
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