If you are near a wildfire, or responding to a wildfire, it is important to be able to recognize specific hazards, and hazardous situations.
The 3 most common items that cause fatalities from fire are:
- Small fires or inactive section of a large fire – Fire can change quickly and fires that are easy to underestimate are the most dangerous as people are less likely to follow the best safety practices
- Fire responding to a change in terrain – A fire reaching a different slope or aspect can cause a sudden and dramatic change in fire behavior and spread direction. It is important to pay attention to a fire moving into any different terrain feature
- Fire responding to a change in wind – wind can change suddenly and can cause changes in fire behavior and direction of spread. You should always take note of any change in wind direction or speed and be prepared to move away from a fire.
Other common hazards:
- Trees – Especially in areas where there is poor rooting, a fire can disturb the roots of trees and cause them to fall unexpectedly, this applies anywhere fire is burning or has burnt.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls – Fires are exciting and there is a temptation to run. Refrain from doing so. Falling and injuring yourself will not control the fire faster.
- Aviation – Wildfire crews may arrive in a helicopter which will likely land to deposit the crew in the largest, safest area that is reasonably close to the fire. Never approach a helicopter that is running, especially from the rear of a helicopter. Let the crew come to you. Best practice is to stay at least 100 feet away from a running helicopter.