Over the past few years, we have seen an increase of large-scale forest fires in the United States.  Approximately 10.3 million acres were burned in 2020 through wildfires. These fires not only affect the ecosystem but the air quality around us. In 2020 much of the western United States had weeks of unhealthy air quality index. Those of you reading this might remember seeing the images coming out of California and Colorado of the orange apocalyptic skies. 

  The smoke from fires is one of the common air quality issues that we may face as we move through our lives. It may be forest fires, or you might get caught in a home or building fire. 

  According to the rule of 3’s of survival, you can survive 3 minutes without Air. If you have read our overview post on air quality and survival, you may remember all that can happen to your brain and body when you do not get air. 

  Firefighters often find people dead, not because of the flames, but rather because the smoke caused them to fall conscience quickly due to the smoke toxins. Many of the big fire catastrophes in history have had many deaths caused not by people getting burned but rather due to not making it to an exit before being overcome by smoke.  So if you are caught in smoke, here are some ways to help you become a better survivor. 

Wildfire

  Hopefully, you are not caught in a wildfire while out hiking out camping; if you are, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and make it out alive. 

  Finding a safe spot is of the utmost importance. A safe place is a location that will not catch fire; rock outcroppings and lakes are great options. Note that the best spot might be through the fire. (Only do this is the flames are small and not deep). 

  Fires move fast, so do not try to outrun one; think smart. Look for something that can be used a short distance away and avoid running uphill. If you have to hunker down, look for a rock or a rotting tree that might be moist, dig out a bit of the dirt and get in, keeping your face covered with your arms or fabric. Note that many synthetic clothes may melt to your skin, so covering yourself with dirt may help save you. No matter how bad you want to stand up and breathe, know that the hot air might scald your lungs.

  If there are wildfires that are causing poor air quality around you and making it difficult to breathe, here are some practical ways to help protect your lungs, as well as those of family members and pets. Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of PM 2.5 particles and gases. None of which will do anything good for your lungs. Wearing a protective mask rated for the PM 2.5 particles will be best if you have one. Regular cloth masks will not filter the small particles. If you are out in the wild, a shirt or another piece of material is better than nothing but will only filter larger particles. 

 If you are caught in a fire, this is where the sight and air kit can come in handy; you will have goggles to protect your eyes, as well as masks that can filter the PM 2.5 Particles. 

House/Building Fire

  Being caught in a fire while inside can be not only frightening but can lead to severe injury or death in only a matter of minutes. If this happens to you, here are some practical steps to take to come out alive. Most of these we might remember from when we were young, and the fire department came to school to talk to us. 

  Number one, get low and crawl. You can use a shirt or other material to cover your airways if needed. Any door handles that are hot to the touch, keep that door closed and use a different exit. If all the exits are blocked, get to a room and place a wet towel under the door to keep the smoke out. Doing this may keep you alive long enough for the fire department to get to you. 

  The smoke and heat that accompanies both wildfires and house fires can be more deadly than the flames themselves. Keeping your airways safe is key to becoming a better survivor.