In the dry seasons, forest fires occur, especially in areas with greater woodland areas in the country. Although firefighting services are increasingly efficient and fast, weather conditions, especially the wind, can make the flames surprise you wherever you travel with your vehicle.

The first thing you should keep in mind is that, if you know that the route you are traveling on is affected by a fire, do not continue with your journey. It is best to stop in a town (if it is an unpopulated place, better without vegetation) until you know that the road you are moving on is not affected by the fire, and there are no obstacles that prevent traffic.

However, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article, a changing wind can make the original situation change radically in a very short time interval. You can suddenly find yourself surrounded by smoke or flames. What to do then to minimize the damage? Knowing the best method of action will help you not to panic and make mistakes that can be fatal:

• Notify 112 of the location of the fire. Never take it for granted that you know it, as it is possible, especially in times of fire, that you exceeded. Connect the radio to find out if you get more information about that particular focus.
• Never try to cross a flame or smoke front. In those moments, you are completely unaware of the real danger you face. You have to avoid any chance of getting stuck in the car. You do not know what temperatures your car and tires can withstand, as well as the amount of smoke that could enter the cabin (the car could become an oven or a gas chamber).
• Avoid going to high areas: The higher areas are where the flames tend to go. Besides, escape is always more difficult in those areas, by any means.

• Turn around and go back on your steps. The road you came by is the only one that, for sure, was free a few minutes ago. Almost certainly be the safest to flee the area.
• Turn on car lights and emergency lights: In such a situation, with a lot of smoke, it is vital to be seen. The turn signals will warn other drivers of the exceptional situation.
• Try not to leave the vehicle: Many people do it fearing that they explode the fuel tanks with the Carlo but that this happens less likely to have the risk of burning.
• Close windows and turn off ventilation. Try not to get smoke inside the vehicle.
• If you must stop the vehicle: Try to be in an area without smoke (pay attention to the direction of the wind) and with the least possible vegetation. Better always, the places that have already burned are safer. Turn off the engine in these cases
• If you leave the car: cover your body and run to the opposite direction of the fire. Avoid narrow areas and take refuge in caves; you run the risk of running out of oxygen.