Scenario: trapped by wildfire, how to survive?

Assumptions (and state others you feel necessary to suggest solutions): you have what you normally carry on camping and hiking trips but cannot get back to your vehicle.

To quote the immortal sage H.J.S.
"Normally I'm not a praying man, but Superman if you're up there save me!"

Seriously though, I think your only hope is to find a LARGE body of water and head to the middle. I would guess seeking shelter in a cave wouldn't work due to the oxygen being consumed by the fire. You'd just smother unless the cave was really big/deep.

-Blast

I think I remember hearing a hot tub is not big enough body of water

My reply on the other thread had links to doc by the US Gov regarding what to do.

If you really know what you're doing (big IF), a backfire may give you some distance from a large fire by using up the fuel. I seem to recall a nasty fire in Montana that caught a group of fire-jumpers. One did the back-fire thing and then set up his shelter in the freshly burned area -- IIRC he survived.

This scenario is playing out right now in Southern Cal. Five people in some remote part of the Angeles National Park had refused mandatory evac orders, got surrounded by the fire, and are now requesting rescue. Last I heard, the sheriff's dept chopper sent out there is unable to rescue them due to the fire conditions. Sounds like they'll just have to ride the fire out.

So far, I don't think I've heard of any "saves" by homeowners who defied evacuaton orders in the current big wildfire going on right now. Especially after the hot tub incident, I think the public sentiment is leaning towards people should get out when ordered to.

I have read in the past that a cave (esp one with a small entrance) is better than a Forest Service fire shelter. As the fire passes through, it may use up all the oxygen right there, and you'll likely pass out, but as the fire passes, oxygen will flow in again. If you can't survive in a cave, you wouldn't have survived in one of those tiny shelters.

The popular idea of heading for deep water is fine, if you've got a boat. As the fire goes through/over where you are, the temporary lack of oxygen could cause you to pass out, and if you're in water, you could drown.

Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when you're outdoors. The sooner you know about something like this, the more leeway you've got in choices.

If you refuse to evacuate when warned, there's no reason for other people to endanger their lives because you suddenly realize you've made a bad decision.

And don't whine.

Sue

That makes sense Sue! I guess what you are essentially doing is making a man-made cave anyway.

Caves and water and an escape route are all nice but most of the time unless you plan ahead or know the area really well you aren't just going to turn around and be confronted with the safety of any of them.

Planning... PREPARING... is very important.

is this the best we can put together?

1. Avoid scenario if possible.

2. Escape scenario if possible.

3. Isolate yourself from fire effects if possible: float in large body of water, try create burned out zone with backfires, go into deep cave....

4. Create survival shelter somehow?

5. Hope Superman is listening.

That's a pretty good list. Don't be there being #1, situational awareness is a good thing, pay attention and listen to that inner voice when it tells you somethin' ain't right.

Superman's not listening, YOYO.

So you have maybe an hour before the fire overruns your location. There is no escape, no large cave or body of water, and you are in mixed forest with small creeks and meadows, various small elevation changes, some rocks.

What is your best shot at survival? Given what you normally carry for camping and hiking, what is the best type of shelter you can build? How can you best provide for thermal protection and some kind of air supply protection? Or is it hopeless?

Edit: is there some other gear to consider carrying in fire season that might give you a better shot?