Bushfire Dangers

With the recent dry weather and high temperatures there is always the danger of bushfires. Prevention is always better than cure and leaders should check with the ranger or the locals on the possibility of fires and any fire bans. It is much better to postpone a walk or change the walk area than expose others to unnecessary risk.

Fortunately Queensland does not appear to suffer from the severe and extensive bushfires that occur from time to time in New South Wales and Victoria, especially after periods of prolonged hot weather or drought. However we do need to be diligent and exercise some care. Here are some pointers to help prevent any disasters.

Spread of Bushfires

Bushfires start small. The spread and heat of fires is determined by wind, slope, and available fuel such as leaves and branches. Fire will generally travel faster up a slope, with the wind, and in dry and thick vegetation.

A major concern to bushwalkers is fire spread. In a large bushfire, fire is spread by "spotting" where hot embers are taken up and carried hundreds of metres downwind causing fire ahead of your escape path. Protection against this is difficult as one may not know that this has occurred. All one can do is be aware of the possibility. The best advice is that if there is any known or suspected danger, postpone.

The Deadly Trio

Flame contact is almost never the cause of death. More probable is heat stroke, asphyxiation or dehydration.

Heat stroke occurs when the body's cooling system fails leading to heart failure. Radiant heat from bushfires affects you well before the actual flames reach you. Due to our climate, bushwalkers are seldom dressed appropriately for protection from radiated heat, preferring shorts and short sleeve shirts. Appropriate clothing can shield some of the radiant heat away from your skin. Wear clothes that cover and protect all exposed skin. Natural fibre (i.e. cotton or wool) long pants, long-sleeved shirts and jumpers are more effective than synthetics.

Asphyxiation is almost always the cause of death in structural fires. In grass or bushfires smoke inhalation is a problem and can be controlled, to some degree only, by covering the mouth with wet clothing or handkerchiefs. The problem is, if you're that close, the smoke will affect the eyes and this can seriously hamper your ability to escape.

Dehydration is caused when liquid output is greater than liquid input. This is more probable in high temperatures such as bushfires. Drink lots of water and don't run as this adds to exhaustion and dehydration.

Before the Walk

Before leaving home check the weather forecast. If hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast, plan your walk carefully. You may need to change or adapt your itinerary. Cancel if there is a day of total fire ban forecast, or if the forecast maximum temperature is 35 deg C or more. Review the walk, taking into consideration any places where refuge could be taken should the party get into difficulty. Have an emergency officer who knows where you are, who is involved, and the procedure to follow in case of an emergency. A mobile phone may be useful. Leaders would also be wise to contact the local ranger immediately prior to the walk.

During the Walk

While on a walk, watch for telltale signs such as lightning strike or smoke from forest areas. If you suspect a high fire danger, leave the area immediately.

If you do get caught in a place where there is a bushfire you should make decisions based on the assumptions that the fire is large, it is near, it is heading towards you and that you possibly have half an hour to get away.

What to do if Caught in a Fire

If caught in a bushfire stay calm and don't panic. Walk quickly, on the level or downhill. Running is exhausting and counter-effective. Stay on tracks if at all possible. It is better to get off ridge tops, particularly if forested and stay in valleys.

It may be necessary to dump your pack or at least discard any flammable materials e.g. fuel and only carry necessities such as water.

Seek some form of shelter from the fire. Examples are a running stream, pool or wet gully; an eroded gully free of vegetation; a hut or building; roadside drain or concrete pipe; under a low bridge; axle-deep wheel ruts; roadside cuttings; rocky outcrops; large animal holes in the ground or large tree root mounds; hollow logs or gravel pits.

If unable to find any shelter, look for areas that are flat and contain very little vegetation or an area that has recently been burnt. Remember though that radiant heat is the big killer. Do not shelter in a water tank as the water may boil.

Clear any leaves or vegetation that can burn near your shelter. Wet the clothing you are wearing, if possible. Stay in your chosen shelter until the fire front has passed. Even if the shelter itself catches fire, stay as long as you can. Cover any exposed skin with clothing, earth, or anything which will take time to burn through, e.g. thick bark. Keep low and breathe air close to the ground where it is cooler and contains less smoke. Cover mouth with wet towels, handkerchiefs etc. Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

If there is no immediate shelter around and the fire is advancing, you have very little chance of survival. Try to move away from the hottest part of the fire. As a last resort, you may be able to run through low flames, i.e. flames that are not higher than you are, onto burnt ground. Choose a place where the flames are lower and where there is less burning material on the ground. Wait for a lull and, when you can see over and through the flames, take a deep breath and run through, covering your face as much as possible, preferably with a damp handkerchief. Stay in the burnt area. Flames greater than your height are too hazardous to run through.

Driving a Car

While driving if you come across a fire with smoke across the road slow down at once. Drive slowly with headlights on. Slow to a crawl in very thick smoke. Watch out for fire trucks and trees which may have fallen across the road. If caught in a vehicle during a bushfire, stay in the vehicle. Park in an area that is bare or has the least vegetation alongside. If there is a cutting, nuzzle in against the bank. Close all windows and leave lights on. Lie down on the floor and cover yourself with clothing, rugs, etc. Only get out of the vehicle when the fire front has passed. It is most unlikely that the petrol tank will ignite, and then not until well after the vehicle itself has caught fire.

Take Care

As bushwalkers we need to take care and ensure that we are not a cause of a fire. Do not light open fires in hot, summer conditions, in dry windy weather, in declared 'fuel stove only' areas or when there is a declared fire ban. Have an open fire only when you are absolutely certain you can light it with safety and the local authorities allow it.

A fuel stove is preferable for cooking. Always use one in places where even a tiny fire may cause permanent damage to the surroundings. Richard
(Thanks to Trevor Cox for his help on this article.)

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