Wildfire Survival: When Fire Protection Gear Isn't Enough
Dealing with a wildfire can be a terrifying experience, even with the best fire protection gear and an oxygen supply. Knowing what to do in such a situation is crucial for survival. This article will discuss the best options for shelter, the effectiveness of fire shelters, and the limitations of fire protection gear in a high-heat environment.
When Fire Protection Gear Isn't Enough
When faced with a wildfire, the best fire shelters are buildings or vehicles. If these are not available, a properly deployed fire shelter is the last hope. However, it is important to note that in certain situations, firefighter survival is still not guaranteed, and the use of a fire shelter can be a desperate measure.
Fire Shelters: A Lifesaving Measure
Fire shelters, commonly known as "baked potato" in firefighting slang, work surprisingly well. Hundreds of firefighters have been saved due to their use. Very few firefighters have succumbed to wildfires inside a properly deployed shelter. This is because fire shelters are a last resort and are only effective in providing brief protection during a wildfire flashover.
Fire shelters are deployed when evacuation is impossible and the fire catches a team by surprise. This situation is something firefighters actively try to avoid. Once a firefighter deploys a fire shelter and the fire passes, they hope to emerge unharmed. However, the outcome is not always positive, and the survival of the firefighter is not guaranteed.
The Limits of Fire Protection Gear
Fire protection gear is designed to protect against brief exposure to flames and heat. However, even with a full set of fire protection gear, including a SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus), a firefighter can still die if exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period. In the case of a wildfire, a portable fire shelter becomes the primary survival mechanism for the firefighter.
The process involves deploying the fire shelter, usually quickly and with a set of pre-determined tactics. If all goes well, the firefighter can emerge from the shelter after the wildfire passes by. However, this outcome is not a certainty, and the fire shelter is a last-ditch device used as a last resort.
Survival Strategies
During a wildfire, a firefighter may use a fire blanket or a fire shelter as a last-ditch effort to protect themselves. The best strategy is to ensure that you have all necessary equipment beforehand, including a fire shelter.
When the situation necessitates the use of a fire shelter, the firefighter will cover themselves with the fire shelter, hoping that the wildfire passes over them before they run out of air or are roasted. This is a critical moment where survival relies on the effectiveness of the fire shelter and the quick thinking of the firefighter.
Fire protection gear and fire shelters are invaluable tools in the hands of a trained firefighter. However, the best strategy is always to stay informed, have a solid evacuation plan, and avoid getting into situations where a fire shelter is the only option.
Understanding the limitations of fire protection gear and the effectiveness of fire shelters can save lives in the face of an advancing wildfire. Stay prepared and stay safe.