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Wildfire is one of the great forces of nature

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Wildfire is one of the great forces of nature

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Don’t start one. And don’t underestimate wildfire’s potential danger.

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Don’t start one. And don’t underestimate wildfire’s potential danger.

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You’re on your own out there. Be prepared. There are tens of thousands of wildfires every year, and because of drought and our changing climate, they’re growing in number, size, and intensity. Nearly 90% of wildfires in the World are started by people.

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Wildfires can grow extremely quickly. Assess the situation. If it’s windy, and you’re on a ridge or in a forest, be extra cautious. Fire can move like a freight train – many times faster than you can run. Get away as quickly as you can. Especially if you actually see flames.

If a fire starts growing quickly, you won’t be able to outrun it. Fire typically moves faster uphill than it does downhill. Avoid being at the top of a ridge with a wildfire below.

If you find yourself surrounded by smoke, especially dense smoke, it’s time to react. If you awaken to smoke-filled air, try to see which way the smoke is flowing. Use that to determine which direction to go. Do not hike toward the flow of the smoke.

If the smoke column is well off the trail and not in the direction you’re heading, proceed with extreme caution. Watch the column. Wind can make wildfire change directions in an instant. Usually, fires are pushed by prevailing winds (normally a southwesterly flow in the west), but winds in the mountains are frequently erratic. During autumn, we usually get north-easterlies. These are hot, dry, strong winds. If you see smoke in front of you and these winds are blowing in your face, the fire will be coming straight at you.

If you are at the heel of the fire (near its point of origin) or on one of the flanks (sides), you will be more able to hike away from it because these areas expand slower than the head of the fire. If the fire is roaring your direction, backtrack and take refuge immediately.

Don’t panic. Think as quickly as you can, take into consideration refuges you have passed, make a plan and act.

Watch for spot fires. These are small fires in front of the head that ignite from embers dropped from the sky or from burning material rolling downhill from the fire itself.

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Spread out something large and bright, like your tent rainfly or ground cloth. Orange, red and silver are great colors. Firefighters may be flying airplanes and helicopters, and you’re trying to have them notice you. Wear your most colorful gear.

If you are pretty sure you have been seen from the air, stay where you are if it is safe. Firefighters will try to come and get you if they know where you are.

Do not start a “signal” fire to help firefighters locate you. The signal you just ignited can easily become another major fire. It’s happened before.