While it sounds like harmless fun, the risk of accidentally starting a fi re is very real. And that fire could get out of control very quickly.
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in a natural area. The most recent New Zealand wildfire was the 2024 Port Hills fire, which took three weeks to extinguish and engulfed about 650 hectares of land in Christchurch.
Smoke from wildfires can pose serious risks from exposure to the billowing smoke, as tiny particles that enters the throat and lungs causing irritation.
It is, therefore, essential that you are prepared at all times in case that exposure catches you off-guard. Inhaling smoke from fires can severely exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and trigger flare-ups, which can be serious and lead to hospitalisation.
It is imperative for everyone to recognise these risks, understand how to manage them, and actively reduce their exposure.
Research shows that a N95 (or KN95) mask offers the best protection against smoke from wild fires. If fitted and worn correctly, the N95 mask filters out 95% of particles, significantly reducing the risk of those particles getting into your lungs.
It is also recommended that all people with respiratory conditions keep necessary medications on hand when going outside, with the smoke in circulation.
