Driving in high bushfire risk areas
If you are driving in a high risk area such as a forest remember a fire could start and become dangerous quickly. If you see smoke ahead, u-turn to safety.
Road travel during bushfires is extremely dangerous and it is always better to avoid areas where fires are burning.
During fires there is usually a lot of thick dark smoke making it very hard to see the road ahead and you may drive into flames. Often trees and power lines fall down and block the road, so there is a high danger that you could be trapped where the fire is burning.
If you are driving in a high bushfire risk area during summer, listen to ABC Local Radio for fire information. Avoid areas where you know there is fire activity.
If you are caught in a bushfire, a car will not offer safe protection from radiant heat, however, being in a car is better than being out in the open. If you get caught in a bushfire stay inside the car – do not get out and run.
- Pull over to the side of the road into a clear area
- Try not to park the car in a place where it is surrounded by vegetation that will burn – avoid long dry grass, shrubs and trees
- Ensure all windows and doors are tightly closed and shut all air vents
- Put the hazard lights and headlights on so other vehicles can see you
- Cover exposed skin as much as possible with clothes made of natural fibres – not synthetic clothing
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a dry woollen blanket or at the very least, natural fibre clothing until the fire front passes
- When you will feel a reduction in the heat it is time to get out of the car and move to safety.
Drink lots of water to stop yourself from dehydrating.
