Smoke exposure from bushfires, such as those experienced in Australia during 2019-2020, can reach levels up to 10 times those deemed hazardous. Short-term and extended exposure to high levels of air pollution can be associated with adverse health effects, although the most recent fires have brought into sharp focus that several important knowledge gaps remain. In this article, we briefly identify and discuss the existing Australian evidence base and make suggestions for future research. Respirology (2020) 25, 495-501 496 CM Walter et al.AMI, acute myocardial infarction; CO, carbon monoxide; CV, cardiovascular; ED, emergency department; FPM, fine particulate matter (defined by Crabbe (2012) 4 as airbone particles with a diameter of less than 2 microns); IHD, ischaemic heart disease; IQR, interquartile range; LFS, landscape fire smoke; OHCA, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; PM, particulate matter; RR, risk ratio.Respirology (2020) 25, 495-501