What to do if your car is caught in a wildfire?

Suppose you find yourself trapped in your car during a wildfire or veldfire., In these dangerous situations, remaining composed is crucial. While sheltering in a vehicle during a fire can be frightening, it remains a safer alternative to being outside. Here’s a guide on how to navigate this challenging scenario.¹

Sheltering Safely in Your Car

1. Carefully choose your parking spot. Park your car in an area without vegetation, ensuring it’s far from flammable materials like trees or grasses. Pick an open space with exposed soil, a driveway, a parking lot, or an empty side road. Keep the engine and the keys in the ignition, as it may not restart if turned off. If feasible, park behind a solid structure or building to reduce exposure to intense heat.
2. Make your car clearly visible. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to enhance your car’s visibility. This is crucial for firefighters or rescue teams needing to locate and assist you.
3. Seal off your vehicle. Close all windows tightly and shut your doors. Block or close the air vents and set the air conditioner to only circulate air from within the cabin to minimise smoke entry into the car. This helps maintain better air quality and prevents eye and respiratory irritation.
4. Stay low to the ground. Lay on the floor of your car, staying below window level. Being closer to the ground provides some protection from radiant heat as the fire approaches.
5. Cover your exposed skin. Utilise a wool blanket or coat to cover as much of your body as possible. Wool is less likely to catch fire than other fabrics and can offer protection if the fire breaches your car. You can also use cloth to cover your nose and mouth to aid breathing.
6. It would help if you stayed hydrated. While sheltering on the car floor, drink any available water or liquids to help you withstand the heat.
7. Try to remain calm. Stay inside your car as the fire passes through. Expect a dramatic increase in temperature and smoky conditions. The car’s exterior may catch fire and be affected by air currents. Remaining calm is vital, as panicking will only worsen the situation.
8. Evacuate to a safe area when it is safe to do so. Once the fire has passed, wait for the temperature inside and outside the car to drop. Carefully exit the vehicle and move to an already burned area. Keep a cloth over your face to filter the smoky air, and call emergency services if possible. If your car is still operational, drive it away from the fire to a secure area. ¹

Driving Away from or Through a Veldfire

1. Drive away from the fire. Attempt to drive your car away from the direction of the fire, moving in the opposite direction from visible smoke or flames. Monitor local news, social media, and your local fire department for updates on the fire’s movement and evacuation routes.
2. Have a backup route to get to a safe spot. Always remember a backup evacuation route if your primary way becomes blocked.
3. Always drive cautiously. Drive slowly with your headlights and hazard lights on to increase visibility in smoky conditions. Be vigilant for pedestrians and animals, as collisions are a significant hazard in such situations.
4. Stay informed about all developments. Listen to the radio or check online for updates on the fire’s direction and any shifting winds that may impact your route.
5. Look for a safe place to park your car. If you see flames approaching your car or your route is blocked, find a safe area away from flammable materials to park your vehicle. ¹

Sheltering in your car should be a last resort during a veldfire. Following evacuation orders and seeking refuge in a solid shelter, such as a home or workplace, is always safer. Evacuating as per authorities’ instructions remains the best way to ensure your safety during a wildfire. While your car may catch fire, the risk of explosion is minimal, making staying in the car a safer option than attempting to run away on foot. ¹

Disclaimer

This article is about what to do if your vehicle is caught in a wildfire or veldfire. Please get help from your nearest emergency services and avoid risking your life. Please confirm what types of fires are and are not covered by your car insurance policy. ¹

You have now learned more about how to protect yourself during a wildfire. Do you think about how you recover from unforeseen circumstances with car insurance? Consider buying car insurance with PMD, which is affordable car insurance with fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and leading service. Terms and conditions apply.

Please get professional financial advice from a certified financial advisor to ensure you select the appropriate financial services product.

This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.

Sources:

1 https://www.wikihow.life/Survive-a-Wildfire-While-Trapped-in-a-Vehicle

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