Hazards Fires

What is a fire?
Fire comes from a chemical reaction between oxygen in the
atmosphere and some sort of fuel e.g. wood or gasoline, (Tom
Harris).
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Provides bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning

Why might we use a fire when camping/bush walking?

-

Cooking

Warmth

Signals

Basic Fire Regulations:

Ways
to Stay Informed:

FireReady App

Facebook Page

Twitter updates

Emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio and selected community

stations

The Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ - Victorian for Quest Camp

http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp - South Australian

SA Bushfire Information Hotline 1300 362 361

Conditions Likely for a Wildfire:

Temperature e.g. hot or extreme weather temperatures

Level of relative humidity e.g. moisture in the air

Hot, dry winds direction dependent on location, wind

speed has a large impact

Dryness of vegetation and soil (recent rainfall)

Where Would you Put a Fire?

Best types of fire/places to have fires:
Pit or trench fire, dig hole, using existing fire place safe scarring the environment,
fire and waste from fire already below ground level
Does three things:

Protection of heat source from elements and keeps contained

Aids extinguishment (easily extinguished)

Safe scarring environment

Smoke/Fire Signals:

One of the oldest forms of long distance

communication

Visual communication over a long distance, way

of getting peoples attention

If all else fails, can be used for reasons such as:

Transmit news

Signal danger plane, helicopter, emergency

services etc.

Gather people to a common area

How they might be made:

Circuits spotter planes (search aircraft), hear/see it, send smoke signal

Prepare a warning fire by placing plenty of easily combustible products

(easily burnt) e.g. natural timbers, dry twigs and leaves

For a signal fire items prepared to sacrifice

Something that would make think, dark, black smoke e.g. green leaves,
plastic jacket or something similar

Covering it with a blanket above it, releasing it in large amounts

If youre ready and prepared you will increase chances of fire being
noticed

Lighting a fire in difficult situations:

Place supply of fuel around the outside of the fire to maintain its suitably
for future use, help keep inside warmer,

Wrap wood in a tarp to keep dry, stripping coarse bark of outside of

firewood to ease combustion, cut up into smaller pieces, more surface
area etc.

Carry waterproof matches easier to use and light in these conditions

In the snow: You can use a flat surface rock to put the fire on top of or dig
down into the snow

In the rain: Under shelter e.g. can hold up a tarp, high enough that doesnt
get affected by height, location away from wind and rain if possible

Can put rocks around the fire to keep it contained but be wary and careful
of using types of rocks or avoid if unsure e.g. river pebbles can explode
when hot

Group Management: What to do to prevent getting caught

Plan carefully and prepare for an possibility

In days before the trip:

- monitor weather forecasts and fire risk at your destination to ensure safe
to go
- consider packing batter operated AM/FM radio so you can stay up to date
from your destination e.g. emergency broadcasters
- wear sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and long pants
- pack a fire blanket
- ensure you pack enough food and water in case of being stuck
somewhere due to a fire/s
- familiarise yourself with area of travel and any possible escape routes
e.g. parks websites, visit local tourist info office/park office
- at campsite take note of any large bodies of water or clearings where you
may be able to shelter in an emergency (make plan with group and agree
on it)

Best plan is to leave long before the fire is anywhere near you!

What to do if caught in/near a fire:

Try not to panic and remain calm

If caught outside in a fire, seek to protect yourself by:

covering up exposed skin

being as far away as you can

by doubling your distance from the fire you reduce the radiant heat load
by four

getting behind a solid object or barrier

staying away from windows as radiant heat can pass through glass

Leave only when you know and are sure it is safe

Shelter Options: