Wildfire Encounter Survival

Escaping Wildfire on the Highway:

 

• First pull to the shoulder of the road and turn the engine off, but keep lights on.
• If you must stop on the road, use lights and emergency flashers and pull over as far as possible.
• Tightly close all windows and vents into the car.
• Remove synthetic fibers close to your body and wrap yourself in a DRY cotton or wool blanket.
• Lie down on the floor board.
• Don’t panic.  As the fire passes over/around your car, the winds will rock it wildly.
• After the fire passes, get out of and away from the car.

Hikers/Campers Escape Tips:

 

• First be aware of the level of fire danger in the area you are in and plan our excursions safely.
• Look, Listen, & Smell – If you see smoke, smell smoke, or hear fire, leave the area immediately always traveling at lower elevations.
• But avoid narrow valleys and steep slopes, as these areas act like a chimney for fires.
• Immediately remove your backpack or any other material that is synthetic from your body and cover yourself with dry cotton or wool.
• Dispose of any fuels, everything from stove fuel to matches and lighters.
• Look for a body of water, rocks, or a depressed area and lie down.
• If none of these are nearby, clear an area 10-20 ft. around you of all burnable materials and lie down face first.
• Try to cover yourself with dirt.

AS A LAST RESULT – when surrounded by fire:

 

• Make sure your skin and hair are covered by DRY cotton/wool and run into a burned area (through a wall of fire where the flames are 4 ft. or less).
• Never under estimate fire in the wilderness.  A small fire becomes a large fire very quickly.
• Fire fronts change rapidly with the wind and other factors.  And fire can easily move faster than you!

Tips:

 

• Be prepared.
• Have an evacuation plan worked out prior to your adventure, including designated escape routes from your wilderness location in case of fire threat.
• Be aware of the level of fire danger in the area you are in, and plan your activities around conditions.

Remember:

 

• If you are caught and must go to ground with a 10-20 ft. cleared space around you, the fire will suck oxygen out of this area for a few minutes.
• Don’t panic – oxygen will rush in as the fire passes.
• Always let someone know where you will be hiking/camping.
• Make sure your cell phone/gps is charges and you have extra batteries.