Smoke from wildfire affecting air quality in some areas

Strong winds have carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester, including Manchester.

Health advice 

Residents should avoid areas affected by smoke wherever possible. If smoke is visible in your area, stay indoors with doors and windows closed. This is the most effective way to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Most healthy people will only experience temporary symptoms, but smoke can have a greater impact on babies and young children, older people, pregnant people, and those with existing heart or lung conditions.

For most people any symptoms will be temporary and will quickly disappear once you are away from the smoke. However, if symptoms persist or get worse, you should seek health advice.

Symptoms may include irritated eyes and airways, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. If you have an asthma action plan or other agreed health management plan, follow it and make sure you have access to any prescribed inhalers or medication. If you don't have one, it's worth speaking to your GP or nurse about putting one in place.

Poor air quality can also affect individuals without existing health conditions. All individuals should avoid strenuous activities such as prolonged exercise when air quality is poorer and follow advice around sheltering / minimising exposure to smoke.  For outdoor workers, an occupational risk assessment may be appropriate through your employer.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke 

If you need to remain in an area affected by smoke, and there is no immediate risk from the fire itself, you should:

• stay indoors with windows and doors closed

• switch off air conditioning or ventilation systems that draw air from outside

• avoid or limit time spent outdoors

• follow official channels for updates and advice

Staying indoors with doors and windows closed is the single most effective way to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

During periods of hot weather, residents should take steps to stay cool while limiting exposure to smoke. Keep curtains closed to reduce heat from direct sunlight, use fans to circulate indoor air, wear lightweight clothing and drink plenty of fluids.

When smoke conditions improve, you may wish to open doors and windows to cool and ventilate your home. However, smoke levels can change quickly depending on weather conditions, so continue to follow official advice and only ventilate your property when it is safe to do so.

If you need to travel 

If you need to drive through a smoky area, keep vehicle windows closed, close air vents, switch air conditioning to recirculation mode and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by smoke.

Look out for others 

Please check on family members, neighbours and friends who may be more vulnerable to the effects of smoke, particularly those who live alone, are older, have respiratory conditions or have heart or cardiovascular conditions.

Keep up to date 

Wildfire updates 

For the latest information on the Dovestone wildfire, visit the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service website:

• GMFRS

Air quality information 

Air quality can change quickly depending on wind and weather conditions. Increased air pollution levels are likely in areas impacted by the moorland fire smoke, and downwind of their locations. If you are being impacted by the plume these levels may be significantly higher than those indicated by the forecast maps and existing monitoring networks.

You can check the latest forecasts at:

• Clean Air Greater Manchester

• Defra UK-Air

• Met Office air quality forecasts

For the latest updates, continue to follow official advice from the fire service.