This summer has been extremely dry and, in addition, the high temperatures we have been experiencing, together with a prolonged heatwave during Sant Joan, have greatly increased the risk of forest fires. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to do everything possible to reduce this risk, which is why we have prepared this short article with tips and recommendations.
As you know, the Mediterranean environment in which we live has characteristics that are highly conducive to forest fires, such as the presence of extensive forested areas, extreme summer droughts, high temperatures, and more. For this reason, and given the current conditions, we thought it would be useful to share some tips to help reduce the risk of fire:
- Do not throw lit cigarette butts or matches on the ground, whether walking or from a car window.
- If you visit natural areas by private vehicle, park properly without blocking paths or tracks. Access routes must be kept clear so that emergency vehicles can pass. Vehicles should be parked only in designated areas and always outside private property.
- Do not drive vehicles off authorised tracks, and do not park them on dry grass.
- Although Sant Joan has already passed, do not launch rockets, firecrackers, fireworks, lanterns, or any other fire-containing devices in high-risk areas, whether in open countryside, agricultural land, residential areas surrounded by woodland, or within 500 metres of forested areas.
- Do not use barbecues unless they are authorised. Remember that they must be permanent structures equipped with spark arresters. Do not light bonfires or cook outside authorised areas; in such cases, bring prepared food from home.
- Never leave rubbish or waste in the forest. Use waste collection services and appropriate bins, or keep any food waste in a rubbish bag and take it home with you.
- Do not leave bottles or glass objects in the forest.
- Stay informed about periods of maximum fire risk.
- If you spot a forest fire or a column of smoke within a forested area, it is important to alert the nearest emergency services as soon as possible, such as Rural Agents, Firefighters, Mossos d’Esquadra, or Civil Protection.
- Cooperate with professional forest fire surveillance and prevention teams.
If you find yourself in the middle of a forest fire, keep the following safety recommendations in mind:
- If you see a fire, immediately call 112 or notify the nearest authority.
- If the fire is small, try to extinguish it with water, branches or sand applied to the base of the flames. Once the fire has been put out, cover the embers and clear away any branches nearby.
- If the fire catches you by surprise, move away from it in the opposite direction to the smoke. Breathe through your nose and try to cover it with a damp cloth.
- Do not seek shelter in low-lying areas and always move downhill, as fire spreads uphill like a chimney, or move in a direction perpendicular to the fire’s advance.
- Do not attempt to cross the flames, as you could become trapped. If there is no other escape route, cross where the fire front is weakest.
- If the fire approaches you, move to an area that has already burned and keep your back to the prevailing wind.
- If your clothes catch fire, do not run. Roll on the ground and, if you have a blanket, use it to cover yourself. The fire will be extinguished through lack of oxygen.
