Three basic tips for driving in case of forest fire

This summer is being one of the worst on record for forest fires in Western Europe. Successive and suffocating heatwaves, rural depopulation and abandonment of fields, urban developments scattered in areas surrounded by forests, administrations that shirk their responsibilities, and risky human activities in natural environments are the main factors that have led to the current scenario, with large areas of France, Spain, and Portugal suffering historic fires with unprecedented intensities and extents.Concurrently, the summer months are also the ones with the most mobility on the road network, coinciding with the holiday season and trips to towns and tourist areas, often located in areas with high or very high fire risk. In fact, this past summer has seen great human tragedies, such as the death of several people in the Almeria fires inside their vehicles as they tried to flee the flames.Lights on, close doors and windows and do not leave the vehicle

First of all, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the relevant authorities when carrying out home confinements, and to avoid taking the car or leaving by the indicated routes in case of evacuation, which limits to the maximum the risk of being surprised by the flames.In case we see an area on fire, it is absolutely necessary to avoid driving through it, continuing the journey, as the smoke and flames limit our visibility and we could end up having an accident, or the engine could eventually stop due to lack of oxygen for combustion. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to turn back and leave the core of the fire, turning on the emergency lights and the crossing lights, even the fog lights in case the smoke curtain limits visibility.Although the first human reaction is to flee from flames, if we see ourselves threatened by flames at a certain distance, it is preferable to close the doors, windows, and ventilation systems of the car to create a temporarily safe space. If we are forced to leave the car if it starts to burn (the worst-case scenario), we must cover as much skin as possible with a scarf or piece of clothing, as well as cover our nose and mouth, and run in the opposite direction of the fire and look for areas without vegetation or already burned. It is worth remembering that it is always preferable to stay inside the vehicle, unless it starts to burn.The car will not explode

Keeping calm and keeping a cool head can make a difference in any type of emergency, but even more so in case of fire. The first human reaction is fear and concern if flames reach the car, but contrary to what movies show, vehicles do not explode, they simply burn and generate dense smoke. Stop in a treeless area

The ideal space to avoid the flames of a fire is the road itself, as the asphalt acts as a natural firebreak. In case of finding a space without vegetation, located against or perpendicular to the wind direction, or in an already burnt area, it is highly advisable to stop there and inform the emergency teams of our position.