The Parets del Vallès Town Council disseminates a guide with prevention and self-protection measures against the risk of forest fires, exacerbated by drought. Summer is the most critical time in Catalonia.
The Parets del Vallès Town Council has published a series of recommendations to prevent forest fires and to know how to act if fire strikes in the forest or near homes. The campaign arrives in the height of summer, when the Mediterranean climate and the accumulation of dry forest mass increase the risk across Catalonia.
Drought is one of the main factors that significantly raises the probability of a fire breaking out, and the council emphasizes that citizen collaboration is crucial to address it in time and protect natural heritage. The guide stresses responsible habits, such as keeping vegetation in wooded areas clean, not leaving bottles or glass objects behind, and properly extinguishing cigarette butts before discarding them.
It is also reminded that vehicles should not be driven off authorized paths nor parked on dry grass, and that bonfires and outdoor cooking are limited to expressly designated areas. In case of spotting a column of smoke, the advice is to alert emergency services as soon as possible, such as the Rural Agents, Firefighters, Mossos d'Esquadra, or Civil Protection.
How to Protect Yourself if Fire Strikes
If a person finds themselves trapped by flames in the forest, the main recommendation is to move away in the opposite direction to the smoke and breathe through the nose while covering it with a damp cloth. Do not seek refuge in wells or caves; if there is a river nearby, the best option is to approach the water and, if necessary, immerse oneself in it. It is also advisable to enter a previously burned area if possible.
The Town Council warns that one should not attempt to cross the flames, and if there is no other option, to do so at the point where the front is weakest. If clothing catches fire, the instruction is not to run but to roll on the ground and cover oneself with a blanket to suffocate the fire due to lack of air. Those in a car should stop in a protected area, close doors and windows, turn off ventilation, and turn on lights to be located amidst the smoke.
What to Do in a Home Near the Fire
For those living near a forested area, the guide recommends closing doors, windows, shutters, and any air entry points. If the fire reaches the house, it is safer to stay inside than to go out. It is advised to fill the bathtub and sinks with water, wet the doors and windows, and place damp towels under the doors.
Additionally, fuel supplies should be turned off, and one should dress in cotton or wool clothing. If there is a lot of smoke, it is advisable to keep the lights on and breathe close to the ground. In case of evacuation, the instruction is to turn off the electricity and gas, take only essentials — documentation, money, and medications — and follow the orders of security services.
The Town Council reminds everyone that in case of any emergency, they should call 112 or the nearest authority. More information is available on the Civil Protection website of the Generalitat.
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