Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
We Explain L.A.
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:

KPCC Logo

Live Stream Schedule In Person

Keep up with LAist

Our top stories delivered weeknights
Donate

Share This
News

5 Tips For Hikers Caught In Wildfires

By Emily Guerin
Published Sep 10, 2020 12:33 PM
5f5a748d5761f7000a960425-eight.jpg
A hiker walks below an orange sky filled with wildfire smoke on the Limeridge Open Space hiking trails in Concord, California on September 9, 2020. (Photo by BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/AFP via Getty Images) BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/AFP via Getty Images
LAist relies on your reader support.
Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all.

What should you do if you're hiking and a wildfire breaks out nearby?

Lots of hikers, campers and boaters have been asking themselves this question lately, as wildfires sweep through popular recreation areas in California.

I interviewed two fire behavior experts, and both stressed how important it is to try to avoid getting trapped by the fire in the first place. Stay as far from the fire as you can, remain upwind or perpindicular to the direction the fire is moving, and consider climbing to a ridge or highpoint to keep an eye on the fire. Or use a phone or satellite communication device to get this information.

But if you can't escape a fast-moving wildfire, there are a few things you can do to increase your likelihood of survival.

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

READ THE FULL STORY:

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.