What to do in the case of a wildfire

Many countries are prone to wildfires. Long, dry summers and dry, parched foliage can create a tinder box. However, there are ways of ensuring that if you do live in an area which might be affected, that you know how to protect yourself and your property.

The risk of being in danger due to a forest fire is very small. However, for those who do live in an area considered to be a fire risk, it is worth taking time to assess what you should do and where to go for help. The following advice is a guide but should always be overridden by the official advice and recommendations given at the time.

The first step you should take is to check whether you live in a forest fire risk area. You can check this out by contacting your local town hall. Ask for their evacuation route and where your nearest safe area is. They should have a ‘Plan de Emergencia’ or ‘Plan de Actuación Municipal ante Incendios Forestales (PAMIF). It can be that safe evacuation routes and safe places vary depending on the wind direction and fire-starting point.

It is always beneficial to have in your home:

a battery-operated radio – to receive news reports if electricity is down.
torches and other means of lighting that aren’t dependent on electricity.
means of collecting water in case you lose your water supply.
basic medicines in a form that can be quickly located and transported.

These can be useful in other types of emergency when power supply is cut. Remember that the Spanish emergency number is 112 and if you do spot a fire, call this number immediately. Do not assume that someone has already called. It is better to have more than one report than none at all.

Protecting your home

If you live in an area prone to fires then you should follow this guidance for regular property maintenance:

keep your land clear of wild growing bushes and low hanging branches close to your house.
make sure there are no branches overhanging your property.
on a large plot, create fire breaks and maintain them.
do not store highly flammable items in close proximity to your house.
make sure that your roof is clear of dead leaves and other debris.

Making a decision

If a forest fire is approaching, follow any advice or instructions given by authorities. This is your number one priority. If this isn’t available you will need to make a decision whether to stay in your property or leave. Do your best to alert authorities to your situation and let friends, neighbours and family know of your intentions.

If you need to make the decision take into account:

have you already taken advice on safeguarding your property in the event of fire – this includes possible firebreaks or by-passing of fires? Some properties will have been built taking these factors into consideration and confining yourself to your house may be the better option.
if your property is unprotected and vulnerable due to close proximity of flammable shrubbery etc.
if there is an evacuation route that is clear and safe.
if you have sufficient time to reach the safety zone using the evacuation route.

Try not to panic but make decisions carefully. If you have dependents try and ensure that they stay calm and follow your instructions.

If you decide to stay

You should:

remove any combustible materials from around your property e.g. garden furniture.
close doors, windows and put wet towels under them.
use hoses to wet the roof and surrounding area if you can do so safely.
turn off any gas supply and disconnect automatic garage doors.
remove curtains and lift blinds unless they are fireproof blinds.

If you decide to evacuate

turn off the electricity and gas before you go, taking your essential documents and medication if time.
follow the evacuation route given to you and avoid alternative routes.
if fire-fighters are accessible to you – check what they advise and follow it.
an area that has already been burned can be a safer option.
if you leave a car behind, park it away from your property.
avoid ravines, narrow valleys and uphill routes.

Be wary of taking a last-minute decision. It is vital that you consider carefully your safest option and make decisions calmly.

In the worst-case scenario

It is rare that there is a loss of life from forest fires. However, it does happen and if you do find yourself in a situation where smoke is dense outside – cover your face with a handkerchief. If you are in your home, lie on the floor and cover your nose, mouth and eyes with a wet cloth and protect yourself with cotton clothes such as jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves and boots.

If your clothes do catch fire – don’t run but roll on the ground and if you have a blanket, cover yourself with it.

Once the fire has passed

If you are still in your property wait inside your home as temperatures will still be high outside. There may also be buildings and external objects around your property that are unstable and could be potentially dangerous.

If you evacuated your property, wait for an official signal to return. You may be shocked by the landscape and be anxious about what you will find. Stay close to your family and friends and be prepared to talk about your fears and experiences. You are not on your own.

You can find more information in English:

La Moncloa:

https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/news/paginas/2024/prevent-forest-fires.aspx

Here you can find out if there is a fire risk in the area where your property is located: https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/incendios?k=val&p=

Oscar Paoli