Survival guide: Key advice for what to do if you find yourself in a wildfire
6 hours ago
- #Spain Heatwave
- #Wildfire Safety
- #Emergency Guidelines
- Extreme heat in Spain has created conditions favorable for wildfires, with a recent blaze leaving at least 12 dead and forcing 800 evacuations.
- Guidelines for survival: if caught outdoors, avoid running blindly, move away from the fire front against the wind, and seek shelter in burned areas, while avoiding ravines and slopes; never take refuge in wells or caves.
- If in a vehicle during a wildfire, stop in a clear area, close windows and vents, turn on lights, and avoid driving toward flames; do not exit without a plan as outside temperatures are higher and disorientation is likely.
- When evacuating from home, take only essentials, use routes designated by emergency services, and avoid forest tracks or shortcuts to prevent being trapped.
- If clothes catch fire, lie down and roll or use a blanket to smother flames; do not remove burnt clothing and call emergency services for burns.
- Never ignore evacuation orders, return to cleared areas prematurely, stop to film fires, or attempt to extinguish flames without proper equipment and training.