As we pursue the sport we love, we often place ourselves in hazardous situations. The Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen Board supports an informative corner to sharpen our be smart and safe behaviors.

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Wildfire Encounter Survival
from www.hposoft.com/SMT/WILDFIRESURVIVAL.html

With unusually dry conditions expected across much of the Northern Hemisphere again, the threat of wild fires is of major concern. Encountering a wildfire is a terrifying prospect, but if you keep your wits about you, you can survive.

Escaping Wildfire on the Highway:

* First pull to the shoulder of the road and turn the engine off, but keep lights on. If you must stop on the road, use lights and emergency flashers and pull over as far as possible.
* Tightly close all windows and vents into the car. Remove synthetic fibers close to your body and wrap yourself in a DRY cotton or wool blanket. Lie down on the floorboard.
* Don't panic. As the fire passes over/around your car, the winds will rock it wildly. After the fire passes, get out of and away from the car.

Hikers/Campers escape tips:
* First be aware of the level of fire danger in the area you are in and plan your excursions safely.
* Look, Listen & Smell - If you see smoke, smell smoke, or hear fire, leave the area immediately always traveling at lower elevations. But avoid narrow valleys and steep slopes as these areas act like a chimney for fires.
* Immediately remove your backpack or any other material that is synthetic from your body and cover yourself with dry cotton or wool.
Dispose of any fuels; everything from stove fuel to matches and lighters.
* Look for a body of water, rocks or a depressed area and lie down. If none of these are nearby, clear an area 10-20 ft. around you of all burnable materials and lie down face first. Try to cover yourself with dirt.
* As a last resort, considering running into the fire.
AS A LAST RESORT - when surrounded by fire: Make sure your skin and hair are covered by DRY cotton/wool and run into a burned area (through a wall of fire where the flames are 4 ft. or less).

Never under estimate fire in the wilderness. A small fire becomes a large fire very quickly. Fire fronts change rapidly with the wind and other factors. And fire can easily move faster than you!
Tips:
* Be prepared. Have an evacuation plan worked out prior to your adventure, including designated escape routes from your wilderness location in case of fire threat.
* Be aware of the level of fire danger in the area you are in, and plan your activities around conditions.
* Remember, if you are caught and must go to ground with a 10-20 ft. cleared space around you, that the fire will suck oxygen out of this area for a few minutes. Don't panic - oxygen will rush in as the fire passes.
* Always let someone know where you will be hiking/camping.
* Make sure your cell phone/gps is charged and you have extra batteries.

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