Forest Fires Aka Wildfires

Forest fires are a common annual occurrence in the peak summer seasons i.e. from months of Feb to May here in India. Usually, attempts are not made to extinguish forest fires, but only to contain them. They are allowed to burn themselves out. Wildfires are very powerful, unpredictable, and destructive. Hence, it becomes imperative for all trekkers to be aware of the basic understanding of such a situation.

Causes

1. Dry long yellow grass loses all moisture and tends as instantaneous fuel.

2. Higher temperatures accompanied by drying water sources.

3. Negligence by locals and trekking groups, like grass burning in fields and grazing areas, carelessly lit campfires and smoking.

4. Substandard preparations for the controlled burn, also known as burn-off by forest dept. to prevent the fire from spreading.

5. Natural causes like lightening.

Do’s (if trapped)

Note: Survival strategy differs on the severity of the fire, location, terrain and winds.
**Remember panicking would kill you before the smoke or fire, so stay CALM**

1. Move fast, don’t wait for the fire to catch up to you. But if trapped, don’t try to outrun the blaze. Instead, look for a body of water such as a pond or river to crouch in.

2. Protect your lungs by breathing air closest to the ground, through a moist cloth preferably a rag, to avoid inhaling smoke and hot gasses.

3. If there is no water, go inside green vegetation, clear nearest vegetation, dig/find a ditch to face/lie down and cover yourself with wet clothing.

4. Call the Fire/forest dept. for help, and give your location as accurate as possible.

5. If you’re on a hill, move fast down. Flames lick upward and can climb slopes faster than you can. Try to head toward streams, low areas, or, as a last resort, ashy spots that have already burned out.

6. Stay out of canyons. Look for an escape route that leads downhill, but do not follow
canyons, chutes or draws, as these act as chimneys that funnel deadly heat up the hill toward you.

7. You can make an effective tool by chopping down a small tree, about two meters tall.Remove branches from the bottom up until just a tuft remains at the top. Use the tree like a broom and sweep the flames back into the fire area. This is very effective on burning organic matter. It is important that you do not beat the flames. It is less effective and in the worst case; it can cause the flames to flare up.