Wildfire
A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area.
Other names such as brush fire, bushfire, forest fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat fire, vegetation fire, and wildland fire may be used to describe the same phenomenon depending on the type of vegetation being used.
A wildfire differs from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, and its ability to change direction unexpectedly and to jump gaps, such as roads, rivers, and fire breaks.
If you are in a vehicle
Staying in your car during a fire is a dangerous measure, to be used only in an emergency if you are caught in the fire with absolutely no other alternative. While it may be safer than trying to run from the fire on foot, the degree of fire intensity will impact your survival chances--if it is a grass fire, you might be fine but if it is inferno-like, your chances of survival are slim.
Roll up all of the car windows and close all of the air vents. Put the air-conditioning on recirculation. Leave the engine running, even when you stop.
If you are moving, drive slowly
Get down on the floor as low as possible. Keep below window level.
Tips
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Survive a Wildfire While Trapped in a Vehicle. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Other names such as brush fire, bushfire, forest fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat fire, vegetation fire, and wildland fire may be used to describe the same phenomenon depending on the type of vegetation being used.
A wildfire differs from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, and its ability to change direction unexpectedly and to jump gaps, such as roads, rivers, and fire breaks.
Wildfires can cause the following:
Falling injuries from fleeing
Auto injuries from fleeing
Crushing injuries from collapse of burning objects
Burns from fire
Breathing injuries from heat and smoke
May also cause:
landslides from exposed soil
Societal breakdowns, power outage, transportation issues, looting
After the fire you will be faced with the rule of 3's basic survival skills
Safer From The Start - pfd
A guide to firewise friendly developments.
Firewise guide to landscape & construction - pfd
Communities Compatible With Nature - pfd
Falling injuries from fleeing
Auto injuries from fleeing
Crushing injuries from collapse of burning objects
Burns from fire
Breathing injuries from heat and smoke
May also cause:
landslides from exposed soil
Societal breakdowns, power outage, transportation issues, looting
After the fire you will be faced with the rule of 3's basic survival skills
Safer From The Start - pfd
A guide to firewise friendly developments.
Firewise guide to landscape & construction - pfd
Communities Compatible With Nature - pfd
Protect yourself
The threat of wild land fires for people living near wild land areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real.If you are in a vehicle
Staying in your car during a fire is a dangerous measure, to be used only in an emergency if you are caught in the fire with absolutely no other alternative. While it may be safer than trying to run from the fire on foot, the degree of fire intensity will impact your survival chances--if it is a grass fire, you might be fine but if it is inferno-like, your chances of survival are slim.
Roll up all of the car windows and close all of the air vents. Put the air-conditioning on recirculation. Leave the engine running, even when you stop.
If you are moving, drive slowly
- Keep the headlights and hazards lights on. Visibility will be considerably reduced.
- Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. Collisions and injuries are a major hazard in low visibility; people may be panicking and possibly running on the road.
- Watch for fleeing livestock and wildlife.
- Use your horn if you are worried that people or animals are nearby but you cannot see them.
Get down on the floor as low as possible. Keep below window level.
- Cover up with a woolen blanket or coat. Do not use synthetics as these will melt and cause severe burns. Cover children and reassure them before covering yourself.
- If you have water, drink it. If you have enough to spare, wet a small cloth to breathe through.
- Engine may stall and not restart.
- Air currents may rock the car.
- Some smoke and sparks may enter the vehicle.
- The temperature inside the car will increase. This temperature increase may be unbearable and you, or others in the car, are at risk of passing out.
- Keep reassuring others in the vehicle if you have the energy (remember that the fire will make hearing difficult). Everyone will be scared, and some may go into shock. If anyone panics, you will need to calm them quickly and help them resist the temptation to flee.
- If you have a cell phone, call for help.
- If the car is still operational, drive it away from the fire to safety.
- If the car is no longer working, or continues to burn, walk away from the fire and seek help. Keep well clear of burning trees (widow makers) which can drop branches and injure or kill you.
Tips
- Metal gas (petrol) tanks and containers rarely explode.
- If you have to stop, park away from the heaviest trees and brush; try to stay on the open road if you cannot see anything more.
- When driving, if you see smoke, turn around and drive away from it.
- If/when you leave your car and there is nobody around, leave a note visible on your vehicle telling whomever finds it that you're alright and which direction you went.
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Survive a Wildfire While Trapped in a Vehicle. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
