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Emergency response procedures - bushfire
In the event of a bushfire, if possible, retreat to a safe area such as a river, broad track, rock or cleared area. Fire usually travels much faster up hill than down hill. However, it is virtually impossible to outrun a fire whether it is traveling up hill or down.
In case of an approaching or near-by fire:
- Keep calm and reassure the group.
- Drink as much as possible and carry water.
- Saturate and cover up with clothing.
- Ensure the group stays together.
- Avoid dense undergrowth.
- Look for open or already-burnt ground.
- Keep to tracks if possible.
- Decide on the intended route and signals, and ensure all know them.
- Place experienced walkers in the front of the group to lead and in the whip position.
- Conserve as much energy as possible and take rests, if viable.
If trapped by fire
The heat radiated by fire is intense (320° celsius compared to flames at 50° celsius) and can badly burn skin, even some distance from the flames:
- Cover as much exposed skin as possible, preferably with woollen and thick clothing. (Synthetic clothing can melt whereas natural fibres are more fire resistant.)
- Wrap clothing and other material, such as a woollen jumper, around the head.
- Saturate clothing if possible.
- Wet a cloth to place over the face.
- Drink as much water as possible to guard against dehydration.
- Keep low (there is more air available to breathe near the ground).
- Shield the body from radiated heat (the intense heat is greatly impeded by opaque materials and passes over very quickly) by lying or crouching behind a log, stacked rucksacks, mounds of earth, wombat burrows (feet in first) or the bank of the river nearer the fire front. Never get into a water tank, as the water can boil.
More information
For more information about bushfire emergency management, see: