How to survive a forest fire

You can listen to a short version of the article. If it's more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

How to understand that a forest fire has started

There are several signs of Rules of conduct in case of a forest fire / EMERCOM of Russia , by which it can be determined:

• there is a persistent smell of burning in the air;
• dense smoke is spreading, resembling fog;
• birds, animals and insects behave restlessly, migrate in one direction;
• at night you can see a glow on the horizon.

It is worth being wary of the appearance of any of these factors, especially if you are in the forest during a high fire hazard regime.

You can find out about its introduction on the website of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in your region. Moreover, it is necessary to do this before going to the forest, and not when a threatening situation arises.

What to do if you find signs of a forest fire

If the fire is small, for example, dry grass near the fire pit ignited or a pile of garbage caught fire, you can try to extinguish it on your own.

You can shoot down the flame Fires in forests and peat bogs. Fire safety regulations / EMERCOM of Russia in different ways:

• overwhelm with long branches of deciduous trees;
• fill with water;
• throw earth or sand;
• trample small fires on the ground with your feet.

If the source of the fire is not visible, but there are signs of a forest fire, try to determine where it is. You can climb a tall tree or go out on a hillock to explore the area from a height.

This way you can find out how far the flame is, in which direction and how fast it spreads. Grassroots fires, in which forest litter, small trees, shrubs, dead wood and rhizomes burn out, move Rules of conduct for forest and peat fires / EMERCOM of Russia with a speed from 0.1 to 3 m/min.

If a riding fire occurs due to the wind and the crowns of trees are enveloped in flames, it moves much faster ‑ especially if it is a coniferous forest. The speed of movement of fire can reach 100 m/min.

If there are no hills nearby, it is important to determine where the wind is blowing. This will help you understand which way to run.

How to get away from a forest fire

Leave the danger zone as soon as possible, observing Rules of conduct in case of a forest fire / EMERCOM of Russia  a few rules:

1. Run away from a forest fire along its front, not from it, in an attempt to outrun the fire. The smoke will spread in the wind ahead of the flame, so you are more at risk of suffocating. In the video below, the Barash from "Smesharikov" clearly demonstrates exactly how to escape.

2. Protect the respiratory organs. Wet any available cloth with water and apply it to your face. If you find it difficult to breathe, crouch down to the ground: there the space is less smoky.

3. If possible, go to a site free of trees : on the road, a clearing, a wide clearing, to the bank of a river or a reservoir, in a field. During a fire, not only flames and smoke are dangerous, but also the fall of burning trunks and branches.

4. Strive to be among deciduous trees. Fire spreads faster through coniferous trees due to the high concentration of resins.

5. Report the fire to anyone who meets on the way. And when leaving the danger zone, immediately call 112 and tell us about the place of fire.

What to do if you find yourself in a ring of fire

If there is a pond or swamp nearby, go there as soon as possible. Choose a place in shallow water, free of reeds. Take a dip, wet your clothes, press a damp cloth to your face.

If you have a sleeping bag, wet it and wrap your head around it. Turn over periodically, moistening the dried areas. Also check the condition of the bandage on the face — it should remain wet all the time.

If there is no reservoir, try to find a plot free of trees. Take off clothes made of materials that can melt and stick to the skin (nylon, nylon and others), get rid of combustible equipment.

If you have water, wet your clothes and the bandage that covers your mouth and nose. Clear the area on the ground from rocks, branches and debris that may ignite. Lie down on the ground and wait for the fire to subside.

How not to become the culprit of a forest fire

Most often, forest fires are provoked by people. Careless handling of fire, burning of dry grass, scattering of un—extinguished cigarette butts - in hot and arid weather, any of these reasons can lead to the ignition of forest litter, bushes, and then trees.

In order not to become the culprit of a terrible disaster, observe Fire safety in the forest / EMERCOM of Russia several rules:

1. During a period of high fire danger, do not light a fire in the forest — even in a barbecue. Do not throw un—extinguished cigarette butts - take them with you.
2. When the fire hazard is not high, choose the right place for a bonfire . It should be located 4-6 m from trees, stumps and roots. Do not make a bonfire in dense thickets, near moss and reeds, among young pines or other conifers, on peat bogs. Make sure that there are no low-hanging tree branches over the hearth.
3. To build a fire, remove the turf and clean the area with a diameter of 2-3 m from dry vegetation and needles. Dig in this place or cover it with stones.
4. Do not build bonfires in windy weather. And do not use flammable liquids for this — drops can get on the grass and lead to a fire.
5. Do not leave the fire unattended. Before leaving, fill it with water, stir it up with a stick or shovel and wait until it stops floating. You can also throw wet earth over the fire, paying special attention to the periphery.
6. Never set fire to dry grass and explain to children how dangerous it is.
7. Do not leave flammable materials in the forest, such as rags soaked in fuel. Also take away bottles and glassware — in sunny weather, it can focus a beam of light and lead to the ignition of dry grass. Don't leave anything in the forest at all — take everything with you.