|
Staying Safe During Wildfire Season
As rising temperatures, drought conditions, and lightning storms increase fire risk across the West, outdoor recreationalists must be prepared to navigate changing conditions and potential hazards.Thousands of acres of forest are ablaze and thousands of acres of public lands closed for public safety. Many fires in the state are exhibiting extreme fire behavior and rapid growth, showing just how dangerous being in the path of a wildfire is, even if it has recently ignited. Below are some tips for staying safe during wildfire season. Please also review this recent article from Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR) about wildfire safety.
What are Wildfire Season Hazards?
Being caught in the flames of a wildfire is the most serious hazard, but smoke often poses the more common and pervasive threat. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Smoke exposure can reduce lung function, increase respiratory inflammation, impair oxygen uptake, and exacerbate cardiovascular stress—even among otherwise healthy individuals. Other hazards include firefighting and emergency operations, fleeing wildlife, evacuation operations, and post fire flooding and mudslides.
Check Conditions Before You Go
Before heading into the backcountry, review current wildfire information and weather forecasts. The following are some of our favorite resources.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
-
Carry the 10 Essentials
- Tell someone where you are going
- Download maps for offline use or carry paper maps
- Identify multiple exit routes
- Keep a fully charged phone and backup battery
Know When to Turn Around
Fire behavior can change dramatically within hours. Wind-driven runs can transform a distant fire into an immediate concern, particularly in steep terrain. Sometimes the best decision may be abandoning an outing to keep a wide margin for safety in the face of a wildfire or increased wildfire risk. Never go toward a wildfire to investigate and consider turning around if any of the following occur:
- New fire-weather warnings
- Rapid increases in visible smoke
- Ash falling from the sky
- Reductions in visibility
- Strong, shifting winds
- Reports of new ignitions nearby
Respect Trail Closures
Closures are implemented to protect both visitors and emergency responders. Entering closed areas can interfere with firefighting operations and place lives at risk. Closures may remain in place even after a fire is contained. Burned landscapes may present hazards such as falling trees, unstable soils, and flash-floods.
What if the Worst Happens?
What if the worst happens and you’re caught in a wildfire? This article by CSAR describes what happened when some hikers became trapped by a wildfire, including the following tips from Mark Rackay, Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse director:
- If the fire is upon you, don’t try to outrun it. Find the best place you can to hunker down – an open spot away from vegetation, or a body of water or swampy area if possible.
- If you can find water at least a couple of feet deep, swim out into it and tread water.
- Sand bars or scree/boulder fields may be alternatives. Lie down and keep your face close to the ground. Find the coolest air you can to breathe and shield your clothing from flying sparks and embers. Keep your feet pointed toward the fire and shield your face as much as you can.
- Get rid of any synthetic clothing you may be wearing, which will melt at relatively low temperatures and severely burn you. However, if the only layer you have is synthetic, keep it on; it’s better than bare skin.
- Try not to panic. If you get up and run, the superheated air above you will injure you within seconds.
- Once the fire has passed, travel with caution. Burned trees can fall easily and debris on the ground will be white hot.
| 
