This thread would be more useful if it turned into a "What would you do in that situation?" thread.

If you are lacking a phone that works, or a personal locater beacon, what would be the best action to take if you are lost in a dry area where natural wildfires have not been allowed? You can't signal a plane that isn't there, so a mirror is only useful at times.

Besides "Don't get lost in the first place," or "I'm always prepared so I wouldn't have to light a fire," what should these folks have done?