Fires can destroy homes, cause extensive damage and result in fatalities and / or injuries. Learn how to protect yourself from this dangerous phenomenon with these simple firefighting measures.
Steps
Step 1. Consider the reason you want to put out the fire and its size
If it is a small fire in the kitchen or on the camping stove, it may be sufficient to throw water on it and cover it with earth, but in the event of a real fire, for example in a forest in dry and dry weather conditions, drastic measures could avoid a disaster.
Step 2. Evaluate from the outset whether there is a possibility of the fire spreading and whether the competent authorities need to be informed
Use your brain, make sure you can contain or put out the fire, if you decide not to let the competent authorities know.
- Consider the size of the fire. You probably won't need to call firefighters, forestry, or civil defense to put out a small fire in a garbage can.
- Find out if there is any combustible material in the vicinity of the fire. If the fire is near a wooded area with highly flammable shrubs and trees, even if it is a small fire, you should probably call the fire brigade.
- Consider how the wind can affect the fire. Strong winds and gusts can facilitate the spread of the fire. If, on the other hand, there are mild conditions that are destined to continue, you will have more chances to control the fire.
- Think about the consequences and damage that the fire could cause. If you are struggling with fire in an uninhabited area with little or no combustible material, the risks are minimal, similarly if you are in an agricultural area with green or plowed fields the chances of the fire spreading decrease. If, on the other hand, the fire were to spread to an inhabited area or a wooded area, where it would be difficult to control it, the risks could be greater.
Step 3. Call friends, family or neighbors if you can and if they are available
This can be a great help in putting out the fire, and at the same time there will be someone available in case of an injury or accident.
Step 4. Look around to see what can help you contain the fire
If you are near a pressurized water source, and have enough pumps, use them to put out small fires and wet nearby combustible material.
Step 5. Use a tool to create a "fire break" if there is no water available
Dig a small ditch around the perimeter of the fire, or dig around trees or bushes to create earthen barriers. Focus on the windward zone, as the gusts could push the fire in that direction.
Step 6. Use heavy machinery, if available, to create a larger fire door if the situation allows
A tractor, bulldozer or other machinery can act as a fire barrier in the blink of an eye.
Step 7. Use buckets, pots, or other containers to throw water on the fire if you have no other means to fight the fire, but you have a source or stream nearby
Step 8. Stay ready to evacuate the area if the risk reaches a high level
If you are in the situation of having to escape, make sure you do so in an area that can be crossed quickly and that is away from the direction of the fire. If the smoke and heat start to get annoying, cover your mouth with the shirt, preferably wetting it first.
Advice
- You should always have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. If not, buy a fireproof blanket.
- Control any fire in the kitchen, on a camping stove or in a garbage can. Before starting any fire, make sure you have enough water and utensils on hand to put it out completely.
- If there is oil or electrical material, do not use water but a fire extinguisher or other.
- When deciding to tackle the fire, consider your physical limitations.
- It is preferable to use earth or dig a hole to light a fire instead of using stones, as these could expand and explode on contact with a heat source.
Warnings
- If you have any doubts about your abilities, contact the proper authorities before attempting to put out the fire.
- Do not try to put out an electrical fire without first disconnecting the electricity.
- Do not throw water on an oil fire, as the oil floats on the water and the fire could spread.
- Plan a way out when you decide to tackle the fire.
