Do I have to self-evacuate? What to do if you have a fire nearby

BarcelonaCatalonia comes from a week of forest fires, only between July 1 and 8, 345 fires have been declared and the forecast for the coming days is that the pace will continue, as the heatwave increases the risk. In addition, this Thursday night in Almería, a forest fire has started that has claimed the lives of at least 12 people trying to flee the fire, becoming the deadliest fire ever seen in Andalusia.the lives of at least 12 people trying to flee the fire, becoming the deadliest fire ever seen in Andalusia.

In case of fire, it is necessary to follow the action guidelines set by the emergency services, either through the alerts sent by Civil Protection to mobile phones or the instructions that Bombers, Mossos or local police may give at the scene.

"Trust the Firefighters. The first thing a firefighter will do is protect life, protect people," stated this Friday the Director General of Prevention, Extinction of Fires and Rescue of the Department of the Interior and Public Security, Tamara Garcia.

Confine yourselves at home

In case of fire, the authorities' recommendations are to remain calm and confine yourself to home, which is the best protection measure. Garcia has insisted on the importance of not "self-evacuating", which is one of the Firefighters' "great concerns" because it is at that moment when they cannot guarantee people's protection. If evacuation is necessary, the authorities will indicate it.

Close doors and windows

Once at home, windows and any other openings to the outside must be closed to prevent sparks from entering. Also doors, both interior and exterior, and ventilation inlets. They also recommend disconnecting natural gas, butane, and diesel supplies. If you have butane gas, it is important not to leave cylinders exposed to fire near the house.

In case of evacuation

If the authorities finally order an evacuation, the house must be closed, and electricity and gas disconnected. They recommend taking only the essential items, such as documentation, money, and necessary medication, wearing appropriate footwear, and not wearing synthetic clothing.

Outside the house

If the fire catches you in the forest or in open country, the recommendation is to go to areas without vegetation or already burned because they are the safest. If you still have to flee from the fire, you must do so in the opposite direction of its advance, by the sides, contrary to where the wind blows. In case of being inside the car without time to seek shelter, you must remain in the vehicle, close the windows and activate the interior air recirculation. In addition, turn on the headlights and indicators to alert emergency services and call 112 to facilitate rescue.