Salisbury Plain fire - public health advice

Fires have been recently causing issues on the Salisbury Plain which has seen smoke drift into different parts of the county. 

Although it could be challenging due to the warmer weather, people in the affected areas are being advised to do their best to avoid smoke and fumes where they can by closing windows, but where possible to make the most of any opportunities to increase ventilation when wind and other conditions allow.

People should stay hydrated as much as possible. Simple measures like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun can keep the temperature lower, which will be particularly advisable for those who don't want to open their windows due to the smoke.

People in the affected areas are also asked to look in on any vulnerable neighbours and family to check they have everything they need.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, part of the MOD, is managing the fire with support from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service.

With the ongoing high temperatures, it is important that you protect yourself from the smoke, whilst also keeping cool. The UK Health Security Agency advise the following:

Advice for those directly affected by smoke:

• Smoke can irritate air passages, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain so individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary medication or inhalers with them at all times and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen, by contacting their GP or NHS 111

With the ongoing high temperatures, it is important that you protect yourself from the smoke, whilst also keeping cool. The UK Health Security Agency advise the following:

• avoid areas affected by smoke from the wild fire
• stay indoors, keep your doors and windows closed, tune in to local radio station for advice and information if there is visible smoke from your property
• where possible, make the most of any opportunities to increase ventilation when wind and other conditions allow. When there are smoke issues related to this fire, they do tend to be more at night
• draw curtains to limit direct sunlight heating-up internal surfaces
• use fans to recirculate air within the house to help keep cool
• take a break from the heat by moving to a cooler part of the house (especially for sleeping)
• wear lighter clothing
• keep hydrated with cool drinks
• check that central heating, lights and electrical equipment not in use are turned off
• set any air conditioning (preferably fitted with a HEPA filter) to recirculate mode
• open windows that are on the opposite side to the plume/smoke (when it is safe to do so), and when the air feels cooler outside than inside to get air flowing through the home, for example, at night
• once the smoke has moved away, consider opening doors and windows to allow properties to cool down, being mindful of changing conditions and be aware that the smoke could return
• If driving in smoky areas keep your windows wound up, air vents closed and switch off air conditioning systems to prevent drawing in outside air
• Whilst causing short-term poor air quality, exposure to smoke from large-scale wildfires is unlikely to contribute to any long-term health effects. Any long-term risk to health from poor air quality will be based upon lifetime exposure, rather than the short-term acute exposure from this large-scale wildfire

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service are providing updates on this page - https://www.dwfire.org.uk/news/fires-on-salisbury-plain/ (opens new window)

For information and guidance on the ongoing heatwave, please visit Hot weather advice - Wiltshire Council.