 Working/Hiking/Camping
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- If there is no straightforward
escape route, seek protection in a depressed area, in an open area like a
meadow, on rocks, or in a pond or stream. (Avoid narrow valleys
and steep slopes since they often act as a chimney for a fire, directing
heat to it.) Clear the ground of all burnable materials within 10-20
feet of you. Lie face down, and bury your face. If possible, cover yourself
with DRY sand or dirt, or a wool or cotton blanket. This is to avoid the
searing heat of the fire as it passes around you.
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Remove any synthetic
clothing you might be wearing because it will melt in the heat and stick
to your body. Likewise, remove your backpack, which is usually made of
synthetic material. If possible, cover your body with natural
materials like cotton or wool.
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Discard any stove fuel and cigarette
lighters -- that is, unless you need these items to create a secure
area.
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Do NOT wet your clothes.
The moisture will scald your skin when heated. If you must cover your
mouth to filter out the smoke, use a DRY cloth. If the cloth is wet,
it will produce steam and scald your mouth and lungs.
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When the fire is upon you,
it can deplete all the oxygen for several minutes as it passes. Be
prepared for this possibility and do not panic. Oxygen will flow in
once the fire moves on.
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If the fire is large and there's
NO possibility
of escape, make a secure area by starting a fire downwind then stepping into
the burnt region. (The fire can't burn where there's no fuel for
it.)
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If you are unable to find or
make a secure area, consider -- as a last resort -- running into the fire
to reach a burnt area on the other side of the "fire wall."
This works best if the flames are 4-feet tall or less. Make certain you
cover your skin and hair, and that you are not wearing synthetic materials.
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