How to Survive When Trapped by a Forest Fire

A Best-Chance Guide to Living Through Wildfire Flames

Sep 6, 2009

Wildfire is quick, hard to predict and deadly. But knowing a little about how a forest fire behaves just might allow a trapped outdoor enthusiast to survive.

The worst Los Angeles wildfire on record in August and September 2009, was a sobering reminder to those who love the outdoors that a pleasant outing can turn deadly for the unprepared. So here are a few simple steps to help prepare and, maybe, save the life of someone trapped in a wildfire.

Common Sense Prevention

The best way to avoid perishing in an unexpected wildfire is to ensure that the wildfire is not unexpected. Read fire forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service before leaving on an outing. Also look for fire warning levels posted at trailheads, lodges or ranger stations before heading out. Always follow the advice of rangers before going on with a hike or ride in the wilderness. Once on the trailhead, take preventative measures when making campfires.

Once out in the wilderness, be aware of the surroundings. Wide roads and trails or wide streams largely clear of trees and underbrush provide the safest means of escape from a forest on fire. A smell of smoke will likely come as the first sign of wildfire. Also watch for smoke in the air. The direction of the smoke will indicate the general direction of the fire. Look for ash in the air or settling along a smooth surface such as a tent, tarp or vehicle. If you encounter these early signs, immediately try to leave by the safest route possible.

When the Flames Are in Sight

If the wildfire is bearing down, however, Robert Young Pelton, author of Come Back Alive (Doubleday, 1999) recommends looking for cover and not running. Wildfire can move quicker than people can run, so Pelton says the best chance of survival is to look for a low, wet place mostly free of trees and brush, such as a pond, creek or large clearing. Avoid climbing hills. Wildfire creates updrafts that makes the fire race uphill faster than downhill. Look for cliffs or a rock crevice to get as low as possible from the flames, Pelton says.

In a desperate situation, it is possible to create a firebreak by lighting a long line of fire. This consumes the fuel in the area and could help the wildfire to skip over or go around the firebreak. Pelton also says it's possible to bury oneself in about a foot of earth. However, he warns that a raging fire can eat up all the oxygen in an area, causing death by suffocation.

The Web site survivaltopics, an online repository of survival knowledge, also recommends avoiding evergreen trees in favor of deciduous trees if given the choice because the coniferous trees burn faster.

The site also recommends covering up with a damp coat or blanket in an existing or hand-dug ditch, if possible.

After Surviving the Wildfire

Once the fire has passed, make sure that no clothing is smoldering and move to where the fire has already burned to avoid trying to survive the flames again. Treat minor wounds with first aid and seek out medical help for major injuries.

Helpful Articles on Wildfire

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The copyright of the article How to Survive When Trapped by a Forest Fire in Wildfires is owned by Adam Pracht. Permission to republish How to Survive When Trapped by a Forest Fire in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.