Everything you need to know to stay safe and informed
in case of a wildfire while traveling.
Wildfires are no longer rare or remote. Once seen as localised disasters, they now shape global travel patterns and pose real health and safety risks for millions. From the Mediterranean to the Americas, fires are reaching popular destinations, often with little warning.
Climate change is driving longer, more intense fire seasons. Droughts are more severe and frequent. Human activity, from land clearing to careless tourism, is adding fuel.
These aren’t isolated events. They’re part of a broader shift that’s disrupting travel on every continent. For travellers, the impact is twofold: immediate disruption and long-term risk. Flights are cancelled and roads closed. Cities become cloaked in smoke. Resorts evacuated overnight. Even distant fires can affect air quality and trigger health alerts.
This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s about safety. Heat, smoke and stress combine to create a hidden layer of risk, particularly for vulnerable travellers. The elderly, children and those with health conditions are especially at risk. And as extreme weather becomes more common, destinations once considered safe may no longer be.
As wildfire seasons expand across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, so too must our awareness. Travel now demands more than a packed suitcase and a passport. It requires preparation, flexibility and a clear understanding of the risks. Knowing when and where fires are likely, what to do if caught in one and how to stay healthy in smoky conditions is essential for anyone on the move in today’s climate reality.
Reisen
The 2024 wildfire season was one of the most destructive in recent years, although not as severe as the record-breaking events of 2023. Wildfires burned nearly 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, impacting communities, ecosystems and critical infrastructure.
In 2024, Ukraine and Portugal saw the most land affected, followed by Türkiye, North Macedonia and Italy. The scale and frequency of these fires underscore a growing trend: wildfire seasons are becoming longer, more intense and increasingly driven by the effects of climate change, land-use practices and human activity.
As we move through 2025, wildfires remain a significant environmental and operational challenge across the EMEA region. Each area faces distinct risks shaped by climate, geography and levels of preparedness, yet all are contending with the rising threat of fire-related disruptions. From mass evacuations and health hazards to closed roads, delayed trains and cancelled flights, the impact on daily life and travel has become unavoidable in many high-risk regions.
For the travel and tourism industry, these events now represent a seasonal risk that is both widespread and unpredictable. Mediterranean countries, in particular, continue to experience severe fire activity during the summer months, affecting rural communities and popular tourist areas alike. In some regions, the threat now extends year-round.
EMEA
Europa
Europe’s wildfire season typically spans from June to September, with Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Greece und southern France facing the highest risks due to hot, dry conditions.
In 2023, Europe endured one of its most severe wildfire seasons, with over 500,000 hectares (1,235,525 acres) burned, ranking among the five worst years since 2000. In 2024, the first quarter saw nearly double the average number of fires compared to historical data, though the total burned area remained below average until mid-September, when Portugal experienced a surge in wildfires. Climate change, marked by prolonged heatwaves and droughts, has intensified wildfires, extending risks to northern Europe. For instance, the United Kingdom has already seen record-breaking wildfires in early 2025, with 30,000 hectares (74,131 acres) burned, exceeding its 2012–2024 average. Greece is preparing for a “troubling” 2025 season, mobilising over 18,000 firefighters and 3,700 vehicles, indicating heightened concern.
The summer of 2025 remains the peak wildfire risk period in Europe, especially across Mediterranean regions. While urban areas are generally less vulnerable, rural and forested zones remain highly susceptible. In September 2024, Portugal experienced severe wildfires, particularly in the Aveiro district. Thick smoke and active fires forced the closure of major highways, including theA1 motorway between Lisbon and Porto, as well as the A25 und A29. Rail services were also disrupted due to fires near the tracks, with heat and smoke posing safety hazards.
Air travel is especially sensitive to wildfire impacts, with smoke reducing visibility and nearby fires threatening operations. In August 2024, wildfires on the island of Madeira led to flight cancellations and delays at Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC/LPMA). Urban areas are not immune, as shown by the August 2024 wildfires innortheastern Attica, Greece.Driven by strong winds and extreme heat, fires nearVarnavas and Marathon forced the evacuation of several communities and destroyed hundreds of homes.
In addition to directly disrupting transport, wildfires can significantly impact travel infrastructure and disrupt travel plans. Kretaund Rhodes, among other popular Greek summer destinations, remain at risk of severe wildfires, which have prompted mass evacuations of tourists in past summer seasons.
Travellers planning to visit Europe during the summer months should remain vigilant, especially when heading to rural or forested areas in Mediterranean countries. It is advisable to monitor local news and official advisories, such as those provided by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), have contingency plans in place and consider travel insurance that covers natural disasters to mitigate potential disruptions caused by wildfires.
Naher Osten
The Middle East experiences heightened wildfire risks from April to October, particularly in countries with forested areas or shrublands, such as Israel, Lebanon, Türkiye and parts of Iran und Syria. The 2023–2024 period saw a marked rise in wildfire activity across Iran, Iraq, the Levant and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, with satellite data indicating high anomalies in burnt areas. Türkiye and Lebanon experienced major forest fires in 2023, while Iran’s northern provinces continued to face recurring outbreaks.
In 2025, Israel faced one of its worst wildfire events in late April to early May, burning over 2,500 hectares (6,177 acres) near Jerusalem. The fires, fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, prompted a national emergency declaration. Major routes, including Highway 1 (Jerusalem zu Tel Aviv), were closed, with people abandoning cars and fleeing on foot, as rail services between Jerusalem und Modi’in and near Ashdod, were halted due to the proximity of fires, and at least nine communities were evacuated. Another fire broke out in the Ben Shemen Forest on 3 May 2025, indicating ongoing risks.
Travellers to the Middle East in 2025 should expect similar disruptions during the dry season, particularly in Israel und Türkiye, where forested areas are prone to fires. Monitoring transport updates and avoiding rural areas during peak risk periods is advisable.
Afrika
Africa’s wildfire seasons vary significantly due to the continent’s climatic diversity. In sub-Saharan regions like Angola und das Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), wildfires typically occur during the dry season, with timing varying by location. In South Africa, peak fire season is in spring (September to November), though agricultural fires are common during winter months (June to August). Neighbouring countries like Botswana follow similar patterns. In North African countries such as Algeria und Tunisia, summer heatwaves (June to August) heighten wildfire risks.
In 2025, Africa has faced a sharp rise in wildfires, fuelled by climate change, prolonged droughts and human activity, such as deforestation and land clearing. Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park faced major wildfires in February and April. The February blaze, fuelled by strong winds, burned over 56 hectares (148 acres) within 24 hours. Kenya has recorded over 180 wildfire incidents since January, impacting critical ecosystems like the Mau, Aberdares und Mount Kenya forests. Fires have also erupted in Nairobi National Park, Ruma National Park and Mount Elgon National Park. Even the typically wet Congo Basin has seen wildfire activity double in recent years, a troubling sign of changing climate patterns.
Travellers to Africa should exercise caution by avoiding rural areas during dry seasons and checking local advisories for risk of fire, particularly in North African countries during summer. They should also be aware of health risks from wildfire smoke and potential disruptions to travel plans due to road closures or evacuations. Monitoring weather forecasts and staying informed about climate-driven fire risks can further ensure safe travel.
AMER
In Nordamerika, the wildfire season usually runs from spring to fall. In the United States, the timing of the wildfire season varies due to the country’s diversity of environments. In areas such as the Great Plains, late winter is the highest-risk period, while in spring, it is the Upper Midwestund Southeast, and between summer and fall, Californiaund das West.
In January, a handful of wildfires, including the Eaton and the Palisades Fires, erupted in the Los Angeles metro area and raced through multiple neighbourhoods. The fires were the result of the hazardous overlap of multiple human and natural factors. On the weather and climate side, there were great amounts of flammable vegetation due to extreme wetness, followed by extreme heat and record dryness.
Wildfire season in Canada typically runs from April until September or October, when cooler temperatures begin to dampen fire activity. In 2025, weather patterns seen in Canada have created rapid fire growth in the early part of May, resulting in some evacuations in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario und Saskatchewan. Canada saw more than 5.3 million hectares (13,096,585 acres) burned through 2024 and another 620,000 hectares (1,532,053 acres) as of mid-2025.
In Lateinamerika, the dry season, normally lasting from December to April, can lead to an increase in forest fires due to the lack of rainfall. In 2024, a forest fire in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala destroyed more than 11,000 hectares of forest in less than two weeks. In the current fire season, which began in January, 1,208 fires have been recorded throughout the country. In neighboring El Salvador, there have been 46 VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) fire alerts reported as of May.
Between 1-27 January, 13,967 fire outbreaks were recorded in Südamerika. Countries like Colombia, Venezuela und das Southern Cone are especially vulnerable to fires as high temperatures and reduced rainfall create conditions conducive to the spread of fire.
In September 2024, around 249 fires were registered in Colombia and by the end of January 2025, 177 forest fires were recorded, affecting nearly 30,000 hectares in 103 municipalities across all departments, with Vichada as the most affected. In Venezuela, as of March, 23 forest fires were registered in different states, affecting a total of 51,290 hectares (126,740 acres), with the states of Sucreund Distrito Capital being the most affected.
The Brazilian Amazon has become increasingly vulnerable to wildfires due to climate change and mass deforestation. Additionally, the Pantanal, a giant seasonal floodplain and the world’s largest tropical wetland, located mostly in Mato Grosso do Sul, has also been suffering great damage due to fires. The fire season in southern Brazil usually starts in July and peaks in August and September but in June 2024, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) observed unusually intense fire activity in the Pantanal and by August 2024, fires had burned 1.22 million hectares (3,014,686 acres), equivalent to half the size of Belgium.
In the Southern Cone, countries like Chile, Argentina und Uruguay are prone to wildfires, with Chile the worst-affected in recent history. Chile’s forested areas are most at risk, particularly between the summer months of October and March; summers in Argentina and Uruguay run from December to February and March, respectively. In Argentine Patagonia, large wildfires in Chubut province‘s Epuyén und Atilio Viglione triggered mass evacuations and destroyed dozens of homes in January and February.
In Chile, a state of emergency and curfew were declared in February by President Boric in Ñuble, Maule und Araucanía regions, due to the high risk of wildfires. In the 2024-2025 wildfire period, 6,226 fires have been registered, several of which have resulted in mass evacuations and displacements.
Travellers should be informed of the different wildfire seasons depending on the regional area they will be visiting.
APAC
Unlike the EMEA und das Americas, fewer countries in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region experience regular wildfires.
The worst-affected countries include Australia, Indonesia und Indien. Australia is frequently hit with bushfires, which are wildfires that burn in grasslands, scrublands or forests, with around 45,000-65,000 occurring annually. Bushfires töten jährlich Dutzende Australier, während der Rauch gesundheitliche Probleme verursacht, die zu Todesfällen führen, die fast alle in den letzten 10 Jahren verzeichnet wurden. 500 people annually. While bushfires can occur all year round, each Australian state has different periods for “bushfire season”. In the southernmost parts of the country, such as Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne und Perth, Die Bedrohung durch Buschfeuer erreicht ihren Höchststand late spring until mid-autumn seasons (Zwischen Mitte November und Mitte April).
In Canberra und Greater Sydney, the bushfire season starts from October to the end of March. In the northern and eastern parts of the country, bushfire season occurs in the winter and spring seasons, with Brisbane und Darwin experiencing peak fire danger from July to October. In 2024, Australia experienced the second-hottest year on record. One of the worst recent bushfires is the Grampians National Park bushfire, which began on 17 December 2024 and was contained in early January 2025, with more than 76,000 hectares (187,800 acres) of national park and agricultural land burnt. As of May 2025, bushfires have heavily affected Western Australia und Victoria states, particularly during March and April.
Indonesien experiences frequent forest fires, which are often massive in size. Wildfire risk is highest during the dry season, running from April to September, with drought and heat waves peaking in July and August. Travellers should exercise caution when visiting forest areas, especially on Borneo und Sumatra. Extensive logging and palm oil plantation cultivation have greatly increased the forest fire risk. In 2024, the worst-affected province was East Nusa Tenggara, with 283,620 hectares (700,840 acres) burnt due to wildfires between January and September. Wildfires in around 3,163 locations were recorded in the province, marking a reduction from last year’s 7,786 locations.
In dem Indian subcontinent, Es wird erwartet, dass die Zahl der Waldbrände in den kommenden Jahren aufgrund der steigenden Temperaturen deutlich zunehmen wird. Die Häufigkeit von Waldbränden in Indien hat zugenommen. 52 percent in the last two decades. The wildfire season in India generally occurs between November and June. The forests of NordostindienSie werden weitgehend von trockenen, laubhaltenden Bäumen bedeckt, die im Herbst ihre Blätter verlieren und dadurch anfälliger für Brände werden. Die Wälder in Südindien are less prone to fires as the vegetation is largely evergreen or semi-evergreen trees that remain green throughout the year. However, Forest Survey of India (FSI) data have recorded thousands of forest fires since the beginning of the year.
zentrale Staaten, wie Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarhund Odisha, waren am stärksten betroffen, aber auch Brände wurden gemeldet. Jammu und Kaschmir, Himachal Pradeshund Uttarakhand Im Norden. Eine Kombination aus trockenem Winter und frühen Hitzewellen aufgrund von Anomalien im Wettermuster und anderen Wetterereignissen, wie dem El Niño, das auch mit einer möglichen Reduzierung der Regenfälle während der Monsunzeit in Verbindung gebracht wird, hat zu dem Anstieg der Waldbrände in diesen Gebieten beigetragen. Tamil Nadu‘s wet forests also experienced some of the worst fires in their history. Some 3,380 fires were reported during the dry months (February to May) of the last season, more than twice as many as two years earlier.
Bleiben Sie informiert
Wildfires can disrupt travel in several ways. Smoke reduces visibility and grounds flights. Power outages affect airport operations. Road closures and evacuations impact traffic. Smoke and haze also worsen health conditions for travellers. Beyond travel disruptions, wildfires devastate ecosystems, destroy livelihoods and harm local economies, especially in terms of tourism.
Some popular destinations are expected to lose attractiveness in the long term, due to extreme heat temperatures and wildfires that occur more often over touristic coastal regions, making northern countries more attractive. This trend of “coolcationing,” travelling to cooler destinations, is already gaining popularity. Despite wildfire risks, there is still a high demand for travel to the most-affected areas worldwide. Staying informed ahead of wildfire seasons is crucial to prevent these events from ruining your travel plans.
There are several ways to remain updated, the best is to follow the latest information from reliable sources:
- Regierungsbehörden, including the local Civil Protection, Fire Departments, National Disaster Authorities, Forestry Departments und das Ministry of Environment
- Trusted meteorological and weather channels
- International Space and Environment-focused agencies, such as emergency.copernicus.eu und GDACS
- Trusted local news channels
- Social-Media-Plattformen Wie bei X (Twitter), Facebook und Instagram sind auch diese Orte zu einem Ort geworden, um die aktuellsten Informationen und Anweisungen zu finden. Denn die Geschwindigkeit, mit der Informationen geteilt werden, kann in Notfällen entscheidend hilfreich sein, beispielsweise um in Echtzeit Einblicke in die Lage der Straßen und die Rauchverhältnisse in der Nähe zu erhalten. Allerdings sind Aktualisierungen nicht immer zuverlässig und verifiziert, und einige Akteure könnten die sich rasch entwickelnden Krisen, wie zum Beispiel Waldbrände, nutzen, um Fehlinformationen zu verbreiten und die Anweisungen der Behörden zu missen. Es ist daher ratsam, Aktualisierungen stets über verlässliche Quellen zu überprüfen.
- Real-time updates, such as Riskline’s Alerts, deliver continuous, verified information about the rapidly evolving impact of wildfires. They report only official, human-verified instructions, covering evacuations, shelter locations, mobility disruptions and other critical consequences
Reisehinweise
Gesundheit
Feuerwildgeheimgkeiten stellen ernste Gesundheitsrisiken dar, die über die unmittelbare Gefahr durch das Feuer hinausgehen. Die Exposition gegenüber starker Hitze kann zu Verbrennungen führen, die von leichterer Rötung bis hin zu schweren, lebensgefährlichen Verletzungen reichen.
Feuergefahr und Hitzewellen gehen oft Hand in Hand. Dies erhöht das Risiko von Dehydrierung, Hitzestauchung und Hitzschlag, was insbesondere Menschen mit bereits bestehenden Herz-, Lungenschäden oder Nierenerkrankungen beeinträchtigt.
Rauch aus Waldbränden stellt eine große Gesundheitsgefahr dar, da er feine Partikel und schädliche Gase enthält. Diese Gase können große Entfernungen zurücklegen und Tage lang in der Luft verbleiben. Die Einatmung dieser verschmutzten Luft kann die Augen, Nase und Kehle irritieren, Atemwegserkrankungen wie Asthma verschlimmern und das Risiko für Herz-Kreislauf-Probleme erhöhen. Gefährdete Gruppen, wie Kinder, ältere Menschen, Schwangere und Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen, sind besonders gefährdet und sollten Vorsichtsmaßnahmen ergreifen, um die Exposition zu reduzieren.
Die Auswirkungen reichen auch auf die psychische Gesundheit aus. Das Trauma und der Stress solcher Ereignisse können Angstzustände, anhaltende Sorgen, Schlafprobleme und depressiven Symptome auslösen. Es ist entscheidend, diese Auswirkungen neben den körperlichen Verletzungen zu behandeln. Betroffene Personen werden ermutigt, Unterstützung von Familie, Freunden oder medizinischem Fachpersonal zu suchen, sobald sie sicherer sind.
Burns
Die Hitze von Waldbränden kann zu Hautverletzungen verschiedener Schweregraden führen, abhängig von der Tiefe der Gewebeschädigung.
- First-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin and may cause redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns reach the second layer of skin and may cause swelling, red, white or splotchy skin. Blisters may develop and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can result in scarring.
- Third-degree burns extend into the fat layer beneath the skin. Affected areas may appear black, brown or white, and the skin may look leathery. These burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness.
Minor burns can be treated by holding the affected area under cool running water for about 10 minutes. Do not break blisters. Remove rings or other tight items from the area before swelling occurs. After cooling, apply a lotion to prevent dryness and provide relief. Loosely cover the area with a clean bandage to protect blistered skin. If needed, take a pain reliever.
For major burns, seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help:
- Ziehen Sie vorsichtig dicke Gegenstände heraus, da es schnell zu Schwellungen kommen kann.
- Die Verbrennung locker mit sterilen Gaze oder einer sauberen Tücher abdecken.
- If possible, raise the burned area above heart level.
- Überwachen Sie nach Anzeichen von Schock, wie z. B. kalte, feuchte Haut, schwaches Pulso oder unregelmäßiges Atmen. Suchen Sie bei Bedarf Hilfe.
Rauch
Wildfire smoke, comprising gases and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) can travel great distances and remain airborne for extended periods. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks even when wildfires are far away. Exposure may lead to symptoms such as burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain, and increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Certain vulnerable populations are particularly at risk. Children, with their developing airways and higher activity levels outdoors, are more susceptible to polluted air and its harmful particulates. Similarly, older adults face increased risks due to a higher risk of underlying heart and lung conditions. Respiratory or heart issues, such as asthma, heighten sensitivity to the adverse effects of smoke and may worsen existing health problems.
Pregnant women are also vulnerable, as physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased breathing rates, can heighten sensitivity to smoke. This may lead to complications including preterm birth and low birth weight. Other at-risk groups include physically active people, those with severe mental health conditions, individuals with alcohol or drug dependence and people on certain medications. These groups should take extra precautions to minimise exposure during wildfire events.
Wearing masks can help filter out harmful ultrafine particles, 0.3 microns (PM 0.3) or smaller, from smoke. Always check the filter rating to ensure suitability for wildfire conditions. If a dedicated mask is unavailable, a damp cloth can be used as a temporary measure, though it is not recommended for prolonged exposure to smoke or heat.
Psychische Gesundheit
Like other traumatic events, experiencing a wildfire can lead to mental health symptoms, such as overwhelming anxiety, persistent worrying, difficulty sleeping and other depression-like symptoms. If experiencing an anxiety or panic attack near a wildfire, try to calm yourself by breathing slowly and focusing on responding appropriately to the situation, whether that involves finding shelter or moving to a safe area. Once out of danger, consider speaking with a family member, friend, counsellor or healthcare professional if you have any mental health concerns.
Hitze
During summer, wildfires and heatwaves often occur simultaneously. The primary health risks from heatwaves include dehydration and heat exhaustion, with symptoms such as excessive thirst, fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness. Prolonged heat exposure can also worsen cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney conditions, and may lead to heatstroke.
Respiratory or heart conditions, such as asthma, increase sensitivity to the adverse effects of heatwaves, potentially exacerbating existing health issues. Travellers can reduce their risk by staying well hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak daylight hours.
Sicherheit
Wildfires are a growing hazard in many regions, with their speed and unpredictability often exacerbated by dry, windy conditions. To protect communities and visitors, local authorities may issue pre-emptive emergency declarations, allowing them to deploy resources swiftly to areas at risk.
Travellers heading to wildfire-prone locations are advised to stay updated with local news, official alerts and advice from authorities. This way, they remain informed of any developing threats or evacuation orders.
Evacuation advisories are usually issued several hours before a wildfire approaches populated areas. However, fires can escalate rapidly, leaving little time to act. In some cases, urgent warnings may mean it is safer to shelter in place rather than attempt to evacuate. Visitors should closely follow designated evacuation routes and consider leaving early, especially if they belong to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly or those with medical conditions. Signing up for government emergency alerts and using real-time wildfire information apps can prove invaluable in such situations.
Preparation is essential to ensuring safety during wildfire events. Travellers should familiarise themselves with local evacuation plans. They should also pack an emergency kit containing essentials like water, non-perishable food, face masks and first aid supplies. Accommodations in wildfire-prone areas should have smoke and heat detectors, while visitors ought to carry reliable communication devices and protective equipment. Recognising the signs of wildfire smoke and understanding its behaviour can be crucial to making informed, timely decisions that could save lives.
Notfall-Sicherheitsanweisungen
Pre-emptive local emergency declarations are common in regions prone to widespread wildfires each year. These declarations enable authorities to mobilise and deploy security and financial resources quickly to affected areas. Travellers heading to wildfire-prone regions should stay informed by monitoring local news, alert systems and updates from relevant authorities to keep track of such declarations.
Evacuation advisories are usually issued several hours before a dangerous wildfire is expected to reach populated areas. However, wildfires can spread unpredictably, especially under erratic, windy and dry conditions. This means a situation can rapidly escalate from an advisory to a warning or urgent evacuation. If a wildfire threatens your area, it is safest to stay indoors, keep a safe distance from the blaze and limit smoke exposure by closing all windows and doors.
In some cases, when a warning is issued, it may be too late to evacuate and sheltering in place becomes necessary. If you cannot leave during a wildfire emergency, seek shelter in a room on the side of the house opposite the approaching fire, ideally one with a clear exit. Keep windows and doors closed and turn off air conditioning to prevent smoke from entering.
Visitors and residents are advised to follow official evacuation routes and opt for voluntary evacuations as early as possible, before the situation worsens to a warning level. Those at higher risk, including individuals with medical conditions, elderly people, children and those with disabilities, should prioritise leaving early.
Um über aktuelle Ereignisse informiert zu bleiben, sollten Sie regelmäßig die lokalen Medien, die Wettervorhersagen und die Updates zu Waldbränden überwachen. Melden Sie sich kostenlos für die Notfallwarnungen der Regierung an und nutzen Sie Smartphone-Apps, die Informationen zu Waldbränden in Echtzeit bereitstellen, Evakuierungswege und Sicherheitshinweise.
Auf das Risiko von Waldbränden vorbereiten
Being prepared and well-informed can help you make the right decisions and stay safe during a wildfire while travelling. It’s important to pack a backpack with essentials well in advance of any potential evacuation. This should include non-perishable food, water, torches with spare batteries, face masks and a first aid kit containing plasters, antiseptics, burn ointments, medicines and a thermal blanket – enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Don’t forget to include important identity and travel documents such as your passport.
Take the time to familiarise yourself with escape routes and evacuation plans for the area you are visiting. Before venturing into forested or wildfire-prone areas, consider attending safety briefings or workshops on wildfire awareness and prevention.
Store valuables like cash, jewellery, electronics and crucial documents in a fire-resistant bag or a waterproof container to protect them from damage.
Additional preparations include following some basic wildfire safety tips, such as the following:
- Smoke and Heat Detectors: If you are staying in an area prone to wildfires, ensure that your accommodations have smoke and heat detectors to detect fires early.
- Surveillance Systems: Be aware of local surveillance systems or community-based alert systems that can notify you of nearby wildfires.
- Communication Devices: Halten Sie ein zuverlässiges Mobiltelefon mit starkem Signal bereit und denken Sie darüber nach, eine tragbare Ladegerät oder eine zusätzliche Batterie mitzubringen, um Ihr Gerät mit Strom zu versorgen.
- Fire Extinguishers: Always have a portable fire extinguisher in your vehicle or accommodations.
- Protective Gear: Consider carrying a fire-resistant blanket or clothing to protect yourself from heat and flames.
Identifizierung und Vermeidung von Waldbrände
When encountering wildfire smoke, there’s no need to panic immediately, as smoke and ash can travel from fires far away. Understanding the colour and behaviour of smoke can help you assess your situation and take the right steps to stay safe. A large smoke column usually signals a major fire, while the direction of the column indicates where the fire is moving. It’s important to move in the opposite direction, away from the flames.
Smoke levels can change rapidly throughout the day. Valleys may appear smokier in the morning because smoke settles into low-lying areas overnight. An atmosphere tinged with yellowish-orange to red hues is a warning sign. It’s time to leave, as the air quality is quickly becoming hazardous. White smoke often comes from fast-burning fuels like grass, while dark smoke typically means a longer-lasting fire involving thick brush or timber. Dark smoke also signals a risk of embers jumping firebreaks or roads, potentially igniting new fires ahead.
When escaping smoke or fire, it’s best to rest when the smoke is thickest and move when it clears. However, if you are suddenly ‘smoked out’ or see dry lightning, you should move immediately. If caught in a fire, seek shelter, cover your head and body, and stay close to the ground, breathing through a wet cloth if possible.
Remember that fires move uphill faster than downhill. Wide, flat areas with little vegetation are safer because there is less fuel to feed the fire. Paved, gravel, or dirt roads, as well as already-burned areas, also offer safer routes—though be cautious of hot ash pockets and ground heat, which can damage vehicles. Crossing waterways can be unpredictable, but wet areas and small streams without electrical hazards may provide safe escape routes. If evacuating by water, ensure evacuation boats or craft are available so you’re not trapped between fire and water.
Verantwortliche Autoren
Travel EMEA: Claudia Gualdi, Patricia Baruffi
Travel APAC: Farhan Rafi, Lorenzo Trevisan
Travel AMER: Diego Maloney, Lorena Peña
Stay informed: Claudia Gualdi
Traveller Advice: Claudia Gualdi
Redakteur
Paul Mutter, Global Coverage Manager bei Riskline
Urheberrechte: Riskline.
Weitere Informationen: riskline.com