How to prevent forest fires
It's crucial to be aware of how to prevent forest fires, as we are currently experiencing a heat wave and high temperatures increase the risk of wildfires. A wildfire is a tragedy for the people, wildlife, and vegetation of the affected area. Therefore, we must be very cautious and careful to avoid starting a forest fire, and at the same time, we need to know what to do if one does occur.
The Regional Government of Andalusia has put in place a plan of action for the prevention and response in the event of a forest fire.
A forest fire is a fire that spreads uncontrollably across forest land not intended to burn. The use of forest areas, both for recreation and work (livestock farming, agriculture, and forestry), can lead to fires—whether due to negligence, accident, or sometimes even intentional arson. If not fought promptly, these fires can cause significant environmental damage, material losses, and pose risks to people.
In case of detecting a fire, the emergency telephone number is 112
Basic tips on how to prevent forest fires
If you are going to burn stubble:
- Do not burn without authorization from the Regional Office of the Ministry responsible for forestry matters.
- Do not burn if your permit is rated with a lower index than the hazard index published daily and disseminated in the press, TV, radio and also the internet.
- Carry out the burning in clean areas and away from wooded areas or scrubland.
If you have a rural residence, close to the mountains:
- It is essential to keep the roof and chimney clean.
- Place stoves away from flammable materials and walls.
- Clear weeds from the exterior of the residence.
What to do in case of fire
If you are in the mountains:
- If the fire is small, attack it at the base, trying to extinguish it with water or smother it by beating it with tree branches, or by throwing dirt on the base of the flames. Once it's smothered, cover the embers and clear away any branches around them.
- If you cannot supervise him, call 112 or notify the nearest authorities.
- In the event of any fire, always study the possibility of escape in case it becomes necessary.
- Breathe through your nose, trying to cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
- Separate yourself by fleeing in the opposite direction of the smoke.
- Do not climb the slope if the fire is advancing up it. Do so perpendicular to the direction the fire is spreading.
- Escape from deep valleys.
- If you find yourself surrounded by flames, position yourself in the burned area, always with your back to the prevailing wind.
- If your clothes catch fire, do not run; roll on the ground and if you have a blanket, cover yourself with it so that the fire goes out due to lack of air.
- If you notice the wind direction changing, re-examine your escape routes.
We hope you never find yourselves in these circumstances. Be careful before lighting a fire, and as they say, prevention is better than cure. Keep these guidelines in mind on how to prevent forest fires.
Happy holidays. Best regards from Explore Nature.
