Summer brings us those balmy evenings lounging on porch swings but also a sinister companion — wildfires. With just under 30,000 wildfires per year in the U.S. alone, it's worth knowing what to do when you're faced with flames and smoke. Many tips and guides get you through those first few minutes of packing and gathering. You load everything from important documents to beloved trinkets. There's also corralling your loved ones and readying the car. But what happens when it's time to go and you must make your way through the fire?
Step 1: Get Out While It's Safe
One of the leading causes of serious injuries and even death is getting trapped in a car. The trick to surviving a wildfire is to leave when authorities recommend evacuation. Waiting it out could lead to poor decision-making or running out of safe options.
Step 2: Keep the Doors and Windows Shut
While the temptation is strong to air out the car, this lets in poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Keep the car's air recycling function on to let in as little air from the outside as possible.
Step 3: Stay in the Car
It's best to remain in the car and move along slowly until you're out of the wildfire's path. The only time it's recommended you leave is when you have clear visibility and have an open path to a safe place such as a culvert. Remember that the fire moves quickly and it's hard to outrun it. This is because of factors such as low oxygen levels, poor visibility, and severe discomfort.
When the car comes to a stop or you're unable to drive further, get down as low as possible. Cover your nose and mouth to reduce the amount of toxic gas you're inhaling.
Step 4: Prepare for Severe Discomfort
Driving in wildfire conditions can be very uncomfortable, and even when the fire is still some distance off, you may still experience:
Low visibility
Uncomfortable heat
Toxic gas
Rocking due to the heat currents
Popping tires
Sparks inside and outside the car
These are all scary experiences, but it's important to keep calm to preserve oxygen. If you're able to heat proof your car before the trip, do it to reduce damage.
Step 5: Remain as Visible as Possible
A foglight is not only handy during adverse weather conditions, but also when navigating a wildfire. It's also important to keep your headlights on to increase visibility. If at all possible, try not to drive through thick, dark smoke as visibility is low even with the use of headlights.
It's also important to keep an eye out for other cars, pedestrians, and wildlife trying to get away from the fire. Other obstacles you may have to face include bad roads, sheer drops, and missing barriers. Only move when you can make out what's ahead of you.
Step 6: Keep an Eye Out for Falling Objects
When driving, it's easy to zero in on the road ahead and try not to pay attention to things that may distract you. However, when you're driving close to high or tall objects, it's important to share the focus. Trees, buildings, and poles are known to fall over during wildfires.
You may also have to navigate fallen items. These might still be smoldering, so be prepared for intense heat and possible explosions.
Protection Yourself and Your Loved Ones While Driving Through a Wildfire
Driving through areas ridden with wildfires can be a daunting experience. Early evacuation is the best defense against getting trapped in a wildfire. It also reduces the pressure on first responders. Remain calm and follow the basic steps as long as it's safe to do so. It's also worth your while to sign up for our defensive driving course which includes sections on alertness and awareness.
