Terrible News! Portugeuse Forrest Fires

[Quangoid]

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/18/europe/portugal-fire/index.html

I've just been sent an email with that looks like the aftermath of the apocalypse via a drone cam.

Someone commented "Fire was traveling so fast above the trees because of strong winds and dry conditions that they found themselves suddenly surrounded by it from all directions. Thick smoke, unbearable heat, trees and coals crashing down on them, 0 visibility with vehicles crashing into the back of each other and blocking the road, people disoriented and in a panic.

Some died in their cars, others abandoned them trying to escape on foot, only to die shortly after."

My question is, what survival tips are meant to be followed if caught out in a large forrest fire? My first port of call would be trying to get to a river, stream, the sea where water is and staying in the car but if the sky is black and you can't see what is there left to do?

[Old_Geezer]

I'd guess, pray, whilst following the road as fast as possible.

[Quangoid]

There has to be a life saving mantra that the experts agree will up your chance of survival as with many other life threatening situations.

Something like drive in the same direction as the wind if you can so you can outpace the fire and get to a place where you can breathe and drink water.

[Quangoid]

Something like this where there's not much information which tells me that your hopes of survival are low to 0.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfire-safety-tips/

[sandyRoe]

I believe forest fires are now burning in Huelva close to Seville.

[Mamyalynne]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/25/spain-forest-fire-forces-more-than-1500-from-homes-and-campsites


Are you near there Sandy - take care.

[sandyRoe]

Mamyalynne, I'm still in Belfast. I asked on forums about the Seville route and was told this isn't the season to walk it. Apart from the risk of forest fires it's really hot and will get hotter.
I've booked a flight on Friday to Biarritz and will walk the northern coastal route.

[jourdain2]

Not sure where these fires are, but, from memory, there are few rivers a biggish pond was best I found in an arid landscape.

[anneasquith]

Do you know the area sandy ? Dreadful scenes .

[Mamyalynne]

Ah I see, thought you were still away.


There was a thread on the fires in Portugal last week I recall.

[sandyRoe]

No. I don't know it. I've been ticking off all the walks through Spain and Portugal and thought the one from Seville should be my next one.
I've been strongly advised not to try it in the height of Summer and told it might make a winter walk

[anneasquith]

Enjoy you're wee "walk" next week :-)