What You Should Know About Driving And Wildfires

Over the past decade, more than 61,280 wildfires have decimated at least 7.4 million acres of land in the United States. Although most wildfire incidents occur around western states, smaller wildfires can sometimes happen around less open areas, so long as there is a fuel source.

Wildfires can occur for many different reasons, and their impact can be catastrophic if drivers or people are wandering around. While there’s no way to know if and when you’ll ever come across a wildfire, you can do your part by staying vigilant when driving around fire-prone areas in the summertime.

What To Do When You Spot A Wildfire While Driving

Wildfires are notorious for being unpredictable. Therefore you have to be prepared for them just in case. One of the ways to do this is by always keeping your gas tank full during summer. If you ever encounter a wildfire while driving, there are certain precautions you need to take if you are to make it out safely, some of which are listed below:

1. Turn Around

If, while driving, you see fire or smoke from a distance, this is an obvious sign that you need to turn around immediately. Choosing to take your chances by not turning around is extremely dangerous as wildfires spread relatively fast and can cause you to be surrounded by flames before you even realize it.

2. Keep Moving

If you are almost surrounded by a wildfire while driving, keep moving to avoid getting surrounded. Your first objective should be putting as much distance between yourself and the danger zone as possible, don’t stop until you’re in a safe space.

Wildfires can spread as fast as 15 mph when road conditions are normal. The rate at which they spread will certainly increase around downhill areas and in environments with high winds. This is all the more reason to get away as quickly as possible when you spot one.

3. Take Shelter

There are instances whereby it’s almost impossible to drive away from a fire trail, especially when the flames are dispersed sporadically by the wind. If you find yourself in such a scenario, your best bet may be to stay in your car no matter what happens.

While it might seem your only option out of such a precarious situation is to leap out of your car and make for the hills, remember that outrunning a wildfire is no easy task. Below is a step-by-step guide to staying safe in your vehicle if you’re trapped

• Drive to the safest area completely free of debris, for instance, somewhere without dried-up leaves or grass, a parking lot, or a tarred road. Keep your engine running and shut your windows to protect yourself from heat and smoke.
• The next thing you should do is lay on the floor of your car to avoid taking too much radiant heat from your burning surroundings.
• Find something to cover your exposed skin with, preferably a blanket or anything made of wool, then call 911.
• Try to remain calm while waiting for the flames to die out.

4. Evacuate Early

Don’t push your luck after being told to evacuate by law enforcement officers. You’ll only put yourself in danger by underestimating the situation because after a fire starts, it can spread at a moment’s notice, especially during summer. Fires are unpredictable, in addition to the risk of traffic build-up, which can prevent you from being able to evacuate.

5. Slow down

As much as you’d like to go full throttle to beat the hazardous driving conditions you’re faced with, it might not be the best thing to do. Instead, drive cautiously and calmly to avoid crashing into other vehicles.

Also, turn on your hazard lights and headlights if there’s low visibility so that other motorists can see your vehicle. This will also keep wildlife fleeing the area from crashing into your vehicle.

6. Roll up Your Windows Or Turn On Your Air Conditioner To Protect Yourself From Radiant Heat

Make sure to roll up your windows and turn on your AC as you drive through affected areas to prevent smoke from entering. Don’t forget to do this even when the sky is clear because driving with your windows open will expose you to harmful, smoked filled air, which can affect your respiratory system or make you drowsy.

7. Avoid Driving Toward The Afflicted Areas Even If That’s The Only Route Leading To Your Destination

There are times when the most effective solution is the simplest option. If the only way to your destination is through the afflicted areas, then it might be best to reconsider your journey. The best way to stay safe during an evacuation in traffic jams is to drive slowly and use your vehicle’s hazards or headlights to increase visibility.

9. Store A Fire-Centric Emergency Kit In Your Car

Ensure to bring sufficient provisions that will last your entire journey if you think it will be particularly long. While drivers are expected to always travel with emergency kits, driving during fire season means you’ll have to include certain items like fire retardants, jumper cables, and a fairly large fire retardant blanket.

How To Avoid Causing A Wildfire While Driving During Fire Season

Unfortunately, many wildfire incidents are caused by careless motorists who occasionally fail to inspect and maintain their vehicles. Many wildfire incidents would have easily been avoided if only drivers had followed the following safety rules.

1. Secure Chains

Chains dragging on the floor from your car can throw sparks. To avoid being responsible for a wildfire, use a hitch ball to secure your chains to your car.

2. Check Tire Pressure

Maintaining your vehicle’s tire pressure is essential since an exposed rim can cause a spark while driving, which is one of the major causes of wildfires.

3. Maintain Your Brakes

When a vehicle’s braking system begins to wear, it can cause metal contact and is likely to create sparks.

4. Don’t Throw Cigarette Butts Out

Flicking cigarette butts on the road while driving can lead to a major wildfire disaster during dry conditions. The National Fire Protection Association once reported that there are more than 3,000 critical injuries and over a thousand civilian deaths annually due to cigarette-induced wildfires.

Conclusion

Using the tips in this article, wildfires can easily be avoided when driving. However, it’s best to change your direction on any road you spot any visible signs of a wild fire. Listen to the news and avoid taking your chances after being told to evacuate. Also, for the safety and security of others, ensure to alert firefighters.