Steps to take if a forest fire is approaching your home or a wooded area

Spain is once again in mourning due to a problem that affects our country every summer: forest fires.

Versión en español aquí

Right now, in the Los Gallardos (Almería) forest fire, there are 12 dead, 23 missing, and 6 injured. The fire started due to a downed power line and was exacerbated by the intense heat and gusts of wind. It has already burned more than 3,000 hectares. El Debate reports the following: "The fatalities, who according to initial reports were foreign nationals, were found trapped inside their cars after trying to escape the flames of several farmhouses and scattered properties in the town of Bédar via an alternative route to the one indicated by the emergency services, choosing a dry riverbed that ended up becoming a 'real trap'."

I am writing this article to help prevent, as far as possible, a tragedy like this from happening again. A basic principle in a forest fire is to follow the instructions of the authorities, especially if an evacuation is ordered. Emergency services have a comprehensive view of the problem, and if individuals choose to take shortcuts or alternative routes, what we saw in Almería can happen. Furthermore, I have included here some tips published by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection and Emergencies of Spain:

Self-protection: Fires near a country house

• Do not throw water in areas where there may be electrical cables.
• Use the hoses to wet the roof and surrounding area.
• Go inside the house and close all doors, windows, and blinds to prevent drafts and the entry of flames.
• If you receive an evacuation order, follow the instructions of the relevant authorities. Unless there is an evacuation order from the authorities, it is advisable not to leave your home.
• Disconnect all supplies (the instruction shows an image of electrical supplies).
• Seal the gaps on the outside with cloths dampened with water.

Self-protection in the vicinity of a fire

• If the fire is very small and incipient, try to put it out, always prioritizing your safety.
• If the fire is larger, move away in the opposite direction of the smoke. Breathe through your nose, trying to cover it with a wet cloth.
• Do not seek refuge in deep areas and always flee downhill.
• Do not attempt to cross the flames, you may become trapped. If there is no other way out, cross where the fire front is weakest.
• If the fire reaches you, position yourself in the already burned area, always with your back to the prevailing wind.
• If your clothes catch fire, don't run: roll on the ground and, if you have a blanket, cover yourself with it.

Prevention: fires near a country house

• Do not burn leaves or other debris on very hot or windy days.
• Do not burn leaves or other debris without authorization.
• It is advisable to have a Action Plan in case of Forest Fires.
• Keep access roads to homes clear of grass or weeds.
• Be aware of the possible evacuation routes.
• Keep roofs clear of combustible materials (leaves, branches, etc.).

Prevention: in the mountains

• Do not light a fire for any purpose.
• Extinguish matches and cigarettes completely (and never throw them out of car windows).
• Do not leave bottles, glass objects or trash in the countryside that could cause or contribute to a fire.
• Burning stubble or plant remains is only permitted with authorization and under safe conditions.

Prevention: burning of stubble or plant remains

• If you are going to burn plant stubble, do not do it on days of strong wind and/or accumulated drought.
• Watch the fire and don't leave until it's completely out, carefully checking the embers.
• Be careful when using machinery that generates deflagration, sparks, or electrical discharges.

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Photo: Ministerio de Defensa.