The fire hazard period in Russia begins in the spring and ends in the fall. The irresponsible attitude to the environment and careless handling of fire can lead to sad consequences. Forest fire is an uncontrolled fire spreading through the forest.
Causes of a forest fire
There are several reasons why there is a fire in the forest:
- lightning falling into a dry tree;
- bonfire;
- a cigarette butt thrown on dry grass;
- cleaning the area from dead wood;
- abandoned matches and self-igniting items;
- natural leakage of gas or oil.
Natural causes of forest fire are less common, more often it is careless handling of fire. You need to know the basic actions in a forest fire and preventive measures.
Signs of a forest fire
For each person living near the forest, it is important to know the signs of fire in the forest. Actions in a forest fire zone will depend on the classification of the fire.
Forest fire classification:
- grassroots;
- grassroots steady;
- underground;
- horse.
Ground fire is more common, dry grass burns, litter. Fire spread - up to 3 meters per minute, fire height - up to 1.5 meters. Fire jumps from one place to another, the root system of trees is not broken. Such a fire is quickly extinguished, it occurs in spring, when the soil is still wet.
Grassroots sustained fire occurs during a drought, causes irreparable harm to trees, soil, roots burn out, some trees fall out of the ground. The soil burns out to a depth of 15 cm. In the presence of dry felling, it spreads quickly and can grow into a horse. It is difficult to extinguish a fire, because it occurs in hard-to-reach places. The main actions in a forest fire will occur with the help of aviation.
An underground fire occurs in a peat layer up to 50 cm deep. Appears on its own or as a result of a lower fire. In this case, the forest cannot be saved, since the soil burns deep. Smoke and substances released during combustion are dangerous to humans. Outwardly, it may appear a little decay, but inside the peat burns out. An animal that has fallen into a burning peat pit will not survive.
Horse fire spreads up to 100 meters per minute. Horse fire is found in coniferous forests, closely planted trees. Fire on the crown of trees spreads faster than on the bottom. Such a fire is dependent on wind and rain.
If you smell burning for a long time and see the anxiety of domestic animals, then perhaps a fire in the forest somewhere nearby.
Forest fire response
Forest fire actions should be as follows:
- do not panic;
- determine where the wind is blowing from;
- find out the spread of fire and speed;
- it is necessary to go along the spread of fire;
- you can’t run towards the advancement of fire, you can find yourself in a closed ring;
- bend to the ground if you feel a lack of air;
- breathe through a wet rag;
- if you see a pond nearby, then plunge into it, cover yourself with wet clothes;
- warn others about the danger, help get out of the fire zone;
- call the EMERCOM of Russia on 112.
When extinguishing a fire, remember your own safety, stay close to the road or reservoir.
Fire extinguishing rules
Actions during a forest fire will depend on the magnitude of the fire. To prevent fire, remember the rules of conduct in the forest during the fire season. Prohibited:
- open fire;
- throwing cigarette butts and unlit matches;
- use flammable objects;
- leave bottles and glass; under certain conditions, glass can work like a lens;
- use flammable liquid; throw out oiled rags or bottles after fuel;
- to burn dry grass in the forest, in fields, in settlements.
The actions of the population in a forest fire of a small area should be deliberate. Extinguish quickly. Fire can be trampled or thrown over the ground. In case of high fire, branches of deciduous trees are used to shoot down fire or non-combustible liquid, water from the nearest body of water. Make sure that the fire is extinguished and there will be no re-ignition after your departure.
What to do when approaching fire to the village
The actions of a person in a forest fire zone, which is approaching a settlement, consist in the mass evacuation of residents. You should go out without getting on the path of fire. First of all, those who need help are taken out, it is advisable to bring documents and valuables with them.
It is necessary to go along roads or along rivers. Use wet rags, wet clothes to protect the respiratory system in case of strong smoke that caused a forest fire. Human actions should be aimed at saving their own lives and the lives of those around them. You can try to save some things by hiding them in stone buildings, in a cellar or in a hole in the ground. If there is no place to evacuate, then it is necessary to wait out the elements on large open areas or in stone buildings with a high tightness threshold.
Actions when approaching fire to the house
Actions in a forest fire, which is approaching the house, should be aimed at evacuating people and calling the fire department. Persons who cannot provide assistance in extinguishing the fire are evacuated without fail, these are children and the elderly. Take the animals out of the house, if possible take them to a safe place. Close the house, fill all containers with water, both inside the house and outside. Let your friends know that you stayed in the house.
Remove synthetic clothing, replace it with dense cotton. Prepare a face scarf and gloves to protect your hands. The house should have wet blankets or pieces of cloth, they can be used for small fires.
Close all doors inside the house to prevent the spread of fire. Remove excess objects from the windowsills, move the furniture to the center of the room, transfer valuables to the basement and close it. Monitor the area to detect the first signs of fire or smoke.
Call the fire department on time. This can be done from landline telephone 01, or using cellular communication 112, even with a negative balance.