Forest fires: what can we do to protect ourselves?
Forest fires are incredibly dangerous wildfires that occur across the globe at least once a year. Once the forest fire breaks out, it is extremely difficult to control. In fact, man-made forest fires account for most global wildfires, and so it is imperative that we all work together to stop these fires happening, pay attention and help where we can.
1965, in Southern France, a huge forest fire swept through the hills between Hyeres and St Tropez, destroying more than 30 square miles of woodland, farmland, campsites, and a staggering number of properties. The province was hit by devastation as thousands of campers and holidaymakers were forced to evacuate the area and rescues by cruise ships, steamers, and four minesweepers requisitioned by the French authorities. The fire tore through the south of France for a total of two days before fire rescue were able to gain control over it. This rendered at least 7,000 people without anywhere to sleep, so spent a sleepless night on the nearest beach in fear.
It is worth nothing that this area of France is known for its dense occurrence of wildfires. In 2017, wildfires that broke out on the Mediterranean coast, mountainous inland areas, and Corsica caused 15.4 square miles of land to be burned, and 10,000 people were evacuated to a safe area overnight. It was reported that more than 4,000 firefighters and several water bombers were trying to extinguish the fire, seriously injuring 12 firefighters along the way.
Surprisingly, an unintentionally discarded cigarette butt in a forest area is most likely to cause a forest fire and thus the public should consciously abide by the forest fire prevention laws and regulations which encourage people not to throw a lit cigarette into a dry forest. These regulations are mainly instated for those using any source of fire in nature parks, forests, and dry open spaces, particularly in the summer when forest fires are significantly more likely to occur. Regulations state that one must abide by local laws regarding open fires (including campfires) and keep all flammable materials away from fire sources. After using open flames, be careful when disposing of hot charcoal, make sure all fires are put out with water, and carefully extinguish smoking materials. In the event of a fire, use nearby and convenient fire-fighting tools to immediately extinguish the fire.
For your own safety and other people’s safety, it is incredibly important to always practice fire safety. We simply cannot afford to lose any more of our forests, and it’s devastating to see these forest fires occur so frequently. But for your safety, in case you are caught in a forest fire, please remember these major tips for self-rescue and protection in the event of a forest fire:
1. Do not run away against the wind, that way, the fire will be heading straight towards you. Stay with the direction of the wind.
2. Do not go to high terrain to escape.
3. Choose places with few plants, find clear areas without foliage that can easily catch alight.
4. Do not choose low-lying or holes or pits, these places easily accumulate dust and again, can easily catch alight.
5. Block your nose and mouth with wet towels or clothes and curl your head down with your hands on the back of your head to prevent the intrusion of smoke.
6. If you are in your home, make a fire safe zone. Dispose of any flammable material within a 30ft perimeter of your home.
7. Most importantly, if you spot a forest fire, call your emergency service number, and report the fire to your local fire station.
Reference:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/low/dates/stories/august/2/newsid_2932000/2932944.stm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-40725294
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Fire/Forest-Fire-Prevention-Tips
