🚨 Wildfires spread explosively.
A fire can spread faster than a human can run in wind.
Smoke is often deadlier than flames.
1. Recognition Signs
- Strong smoke smell, even if fire seems far away
- Orange, red sky, visible flame columns
- Falling ash and charred leaves/hydrogen cyanide in smoke
- Animals fleeing (wildlife, panicked birds)
- Warning apps: NINA, KATWARN – stay activated!
2. Evacuation during Wildfire
- Wind direction: Escape PERPENDICULAR to wind direction, never directly away or into it!
- Asphalt: Stay on asphalted roads/paths (no forest paths!)
- Water: Toward river, lake, pond (fire cannot jump water)
- Car: Keep engine running (don't turn off!). AC on recirculation. Wet cloths ready.
- Stay home? Only if evacuation impossible: close windows/doors, wet cloths on cracks.
- No caves/gorges: Hot air rises – valleys become death traps!
3. Protection in Vehicle
- Don't get out! Car offers protection from heat and smoke
- Park: On open, non-wooded area (parking lot, field)
- Lights on: In smoke – lights + hazard lights for other rescuers
- Recirculation: AC on recirculation (no outside air with smoke!)
- Wet cloths: Hold before mouth/nose (smoke filter)
- Keep engine running: Only if tank half full + (in heat: close windows)
4. Avoid Smoke Inhalation
- Wet cloths: Cotton cloth, wet cloth before mouth & nose – filters particles, cools air
- Crawl knee-high: Smoke rises – air is clearer below
- Protect eyes: Goggles/swimming goggles (smoke irritates eyes = blindness!)
- Breathing: Shallow breathing, no exertion (oxygen saving)
5. Checklist: Wildfire
- ☐ Warning apps installed (NINA, KATWARN)
- ☐ Car: tank always half full
- ☐ Wet cloths in car and house (smoke protection)
- ☐ Swimming goggles/protective goggles available
- ☐ N95 masks (smoke filter, 5+ pieces)
- ☐ Escape route from forest/residential area planned (perpendicular to wind)
- ☐ Meeting point outside forest area designated