What you should (and shouldn't) do if you're caught in a wildfire while driving

Every summer, forest fires make the news in our country (one is currently raging in Ávila, forcing the population of El Arenal to go into lockdown). Thousands of hectares are consumed by the flames, leaving a devastating scene. The cause of the fire can be varied, from a poorly extinguished cigarette butt to a lightning strike, to sparks generated by the use of machinery. Whatever the cause, the consequences are dramatic, as they can also put human lives at risk. The fire may even take drivers traveling in the area by surprise, or others trying to escape.

This harrowing situation can be seen in a video recently posted on Instagram by the profile circuliperladreta. The footage shows a driver and his three passengers trapped in the middle of a fire. With barely time to think, they decide to advance through the flames to try to save their lives.

The video shows the car moving along a forest track in the middle of the woods, while columns of smoke and flames rise on both sides, devouring the vegetation at high speed. The driver, determined, maintains control of the vehicle in a terrifying situation where every second counts and the fire seems to be blocking the way from all sides. One of the passengers in the vehicle asks the others to close the windows to prevent smoke from entering the cabin and further complicating the situation.

Closing the windows and turning off the vehicle's ventilation systems to prevent the entry of toxic gases is one of the main recommendations made by the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) in a situation like this. The drivers' club offers a series of guidelines on its website for safe action if a forest fire surprises motorists on the road.

RACE warns that if you spot a fire on any of the sections you plan to travel, it is essential to stop and stop in a nearby town. If you find yourself in an isolated area, you should stop in a place free of vegetation until you are certain you can continue safely, or even turn around and return if necessary.

The situation is even more dangerous if a fire strikes on the road, as action will be needed quickly to avoid areas of dense smoke and potential fires that could cross the road. Therefore, RACE recommends always traveling with a charged mobile phone battery and carrying water in the car to stay informed and be prepared in case of an emergency.

To act safely if you catch fire while driving, the automobile club advises following these guidelines:

• Notify 112 of the location of the fire, without assuming that the emergency services have already been informed.

• Turn on your car lights and hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.

• If you must abandon the vehicle, cover all exposed skin and respiratory tract, stay away from fire, and avoid sheltering in caves or wells, where oxygen may be scarce. If possible, breathe through a damp cloth.

• Always follow the instructions of the emergency services present in the area.

It's also essential to know what actions to avoid when a forest fire strikes on the road. Often, making mistakes in decision-making can worsen the situation and endanger lives. Therefore, in addition to knowing what to do, it's important to be clear about what not to do to maintain safety and facilitate the response of emergency services.

• Never attempt to drive through an active fire, as the flames can spread rapidly and impede escape maneuvers.

• Do not stop in areas with dry vegetation or where the wind could fan the fire.

• Avoid leaving your vehicle unless absolutely necessary; the car can offer some protection from heat and smoke.

• If you must leave, do not seek shelter in caves, wells, or enclosed spaces where oxygen is limited.

• Do not ignore the instructions of authorities and emergency services, as their knowledge and experience are key to safety.