Forest Fires

Whether it be in the north of Ontario, Canada, the middle of Corsica, or the Cape of South Africa, a few weeks of extended dry weather can turn a forest into a tinder box. A careless human act, or a lightning strike from the summer afternoon storm, can turn such a forest into an inferno. Each year tens of thousands of fires sweep across the globe.

When travelling in forest areas be knowledgeable of conditions and plan for eventual problems. Inquire about current forest fires, fire danger, and whether prescribed burns are scheduled. If conditions are dry and the fires hazard is high, hike and camp near lakes and rivers. A very large percent of all forest fires are started by campfires that get out of hand or aren't properly extinguished. Use a camp stove instead.

Be knowledgeable about wind patterns, and look for smoke. Hot wind dries vegetation and causes the fire to spread faster in that direction. Stay upwind of fire. Windblown fires move faster than people and wind can carry embers starting new fires downwind hemming you in. If you can't stay upwind, try move away from the fire at right angles. Heat rises up slopes drying vegetation and chasing the fire upward. Try to move to lower land.

If you're caught by the fire, do not try to outrun it. Find a lake, pond, river, marsh or a large, wet open area, and lie down. If you can swim, move out into open water. If you have a boat, turn it over and get underneath where you will be able to protect your body and lungs from smoke and heat.

After the fire passes, exercise caution to avoid burns and falling trees. Make a careful assessment of your situation and plan a safe course of action to take you to safety. Remember that it may best to stay where you are for a while. Search parties may have a good idea where you are now and look for you in that area first. You may also be near a body of water that can protect you if conditions change. Don't get trapped in a bad spot by a fire that turns towards you with a change of wind.