?Bush Fire Safety during Multi-day Walks?

[TerraMer]

Had a quick word search but found nothing about this subject so I'm wondering what you do to increase your safety while bushwalking during summer?
If you are on a longer multiday walk without reliable mobile phone range what do you do to keep up to date on latest fire activity so you can get out before becoming a rescue operation?
Should walkers register with each national park when they enter and exit so fire management knows there is a walker in the area?
Would a daily sched by sat phone be unreasonable during the peak of the fire season? Who would you call or text?
Apart from not walking in these areas between October and March and not lighting fires, what are some of your tips for multiday walker fire safety?

Please add a link and lock if this subject has already been discussed

[tibboh]

Apart from the obvious one......don't walk into an area with an active fire.....ALWAYS fill out walker registration details at the start of the walk. If no such log book exists then registering with an appropriate local authority such as police is a must.
Carry a plb as a safety if phone coverage fails and you are in peril. Check the weather forecast for the time you will be out to see if conditions will be more dangerous for any particular day. Scout out possible safe havens on the walk like lakes or rivers which may provide protection from fire if all else fails. Talk to National Parks services before departing if you are unfamiliar with the terrain for advice in the event of a fire.

[GPSGuided]

Good post. Seem to have a lot more to it than just for multi-day walks.

What should one do if one is trapped by a fire? Where should one go, up a hill or stay in the gully? Should one head upwind or downwind? Should one go for rocky platforms or cave shelters? If there's water nearby, then that's pretty obvious.

[madmacca]

In addition to the above, I carry a radio and listen to the news/weather forecast at noon or 6pm. In Victoria/NSW, you should be able to pick up a station as long as you aren't down in a deep valley.

On a code red day, even if there isn't a fire in your immediate vicinity, get somewhere safe, and stay there. Know your exit routes, and also which tracks are MVO and which are open to the public - depending on the time of year, there may well be some 4WD traffic on tracks open to the public from whom you can get a lift. Rangers and CFA/RFS/DSE will be active in NP's on code red days, or if there is a fire, which will add to the traffic. I was in Snowy River NP last January when a code red was called, and I hustled myself to McKillops Bridge as fast as I could (bottom of the valley, large body of water, road with regular traffic).

Also, watch for air activity. If you are in an area remote enough for no mobile reception, chances are they will be attacking with aerial water bombers. So if you see a #$%^load of helicopters ....

Know your fire behaviour. Fires move MUCH faster uphill than down, so always move down. In Victoria, the nasty bushfires are propelled by a northerly wind, so heading downhill to the south will buy you some time. (Anyone knowledgeable about NSW care to comment on which are the problem wind directions - NW?)

Most fires kick off in the afternoon, so if you need to move to safety, start pre-dawn if you have to walk out (ditch your gear, or at least consumables like food if you want to lighten your load and move quicker). Don't be afraid to deploy your PLB if you feel in danger - if you can get to a 4WD track before doing so, there is probably less inconvenience for rescue services.

If you are really stuck with an IMMINENT fire front approaching, light your own fire downwind, then move into the burnt ground. (This really is a last resort).

[perfectlydark]

Gps one thing I always remember is fire heads up, so get as low as possible (go for a gully, dont go up a hill)

[Binder]

Great thread, some good advice so far.

I was involved in the airlift of 24 walkers from the Western Arthurs in January this year and may be able to give a you an idea of somethings we learnt during the process that may be of help.

Use the log books. Some folk are a bit funny about using these as 'the governement doesn't need to know where I am !' The first thing that happened was that all of the trail head logbooks were crosschecked, which gave us a list of names, contacts and intended routes. From this we knew that we were dealing with at least 24 people, which got us up the priority list for resourcing. If only one or two people were in the book, chances are it would be down the list a long way when a number of large fires were active across the state.

Be highly aware of fuel loads in the area. Not a simple subject, but broadly the more vegetation around you, the more fuel for the fire. With the Arthurs fire, this awareness of fuel in the area should have overridden the reasonable train of thought to get to the low country. The top of the Arthurs is made up of massive rock slabs and the odd lake that you can get to, ie low fuel loads when compared to the buttongrass, melaleuca and bauera covered moraines and low valley floors. Our main concern was that walkers might intuitivley head for the low country when the smoke started happenning, and on talking to several of the groups, this was their plan. This fire covered 40 km in one day through the low country and you ain't going to outwalk that ! Another group was on the Arthurs Plains track when the became aware of the smoke and planned to head for Junction creek and the perceived safety of the water/creek there. They did the right thing and stayed up all night to monitor the fire, and we flew them out in the morning. Issue here was that the creek was only shin deep at best, and supported the thickest vegetation (fuel). About an hour after they were flown out, the fire burnt right through the area to the water line.

Do not try to outrun a fire uphill. All things being equal, for every 10 degrees of slope a fire will double its speed. Look for a low fuel area, rock, big log etc to get behind to protect yourself from radiant heat.

Be seen. The first place helicopters will look is the walking tracks and known campsites in the direct fire path. Unless you have to leave them to get to a low fuel area, stay on them. It is also very difficult to see people in the scrub so if you hear aircraft about try to get to the open. They may indicate that they have seen you by circling but may not be able to pick you up straight away. In the Arthurs on day two, we did a sweep at dawn as it is easier to see tents than people on foot.

Be a weather nerd. We all check out the weather religiously prior to heading out, but also good to check out the fire weather warnings etc on the BoM site, or give the local Parks base a call to check out local conditions. Fires can happen at any time during summer, but easier not to puts yourself in the wrong spot if the fire weather looks really bad.

As I say, huge topic with no hard and fast rules as it all depends where you are and what fuel is around you.

Cheers

[GPSGuided]

Great information folks! Whilst never been caught in compromised position personally, the increased responsibility of taking the family out these days, these safety considerations and risk calculations are now presenting as greater priority. Most helpful.

[whynotwalk]

A really good thread TerraMer. Binder and others have given great practical advice.

I also noticed - and have copied - this general advice from a Tas Parks & Wildlife's booklet called "Before You Walk". It has some specific observations about fire behaviour, and what to do if you get caught in a fire while you're out there. It's Tassie-oriented, but should be relevant to most bushfire prone areas. The whole booklet is downloadable here http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=6382

cheers

Peter
_____________________________________________________________________

Don’t Get Caught in a Bushfire – Some Fire Safety Preparations.

Bushfires occur every summer in Tasmania, including some ignited by dry lightning strikes in the remote wilderness areas of the state. For people visiting these areas it is important that safety, in the event of a bushfire starting, is considered and planned for before leaving home.

Bushfire behaviour
Bushfires start small. The spread and heat of bushfires is determined by wind, slope and available fuel such as leaves, twigs and vegetation. Fire will generally travel faster up a slope than it will down a slope. Fire will travel with the wind, rather than against it. Fire will travel faster in fine fuels and where vegetation is thicker and drier, than it will in vegetation that is damp, sparse or composed of larger material.

Before leaving home
Check the weather forecast. If hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast, plan your trip carefully. You may need to change or adapt your itinerary. Review your walk, considering any shelters such as lakes, the ocean, running streams or wet gullies where refuge can be taken should you get into difficulty.

Let someone know when and where you plan to walk and camp before leaving. Use the logbooks to record your trip intentions, and follow instructions from PWS staff and signs – particularly track closed signs. Just because you can’t see the fire doesn’t mean there isn’t one threatening the area.

Radiant heat
Heat generated from a fire is called radiant heat. If you put your hand near an open flame you can feel the radiant heat. In very hot bushfires this heat affects people well before the actual flames reach them. Death is often caused by heat stroke, when the body's cooling system fails, leading to heat exhaustion and heart failure. Appropriate clothing can shield your skin from from radiant heat. Wear clothes that cover and protect all exposed skin – preferably natural fibres. A lot of bushwalking gear has a high plastic content that will melt to your skin.

If walking and caught in a bushfire
Do not run unless to a clearly indicated way of escape. Do not try to out run the fire uphill as fires travel faster uphill. Look for areas that are flat and contain very little vegetation.
Seek shelter from the fire. Shelter can include:
• a running steam, a wet gully, a lake or tarn, or the ocean
• eroded gullies free of vegetation
• deep wheel ruts or cuttings on the road
• rocky outcrops or open areas with little or no vegetation, including gravel pits
• an area that has been recently burnt
1 Clear any leaves or vegetation matter that can burn near your shelter.
2 Stay in your chosen shelter until the fire has passed.
3 Cover any exposed skin with clothing, soft earth, anything to shield you from the heat.
4 Keep low and breathe air close to the ground where it is cooler and contains less smoke.
5 If there is no immediate shelter around and the fire is advancing, you have very little chance of survival in the open. Try to move away from the hottest part of the fire.

Only as a last resort, run through the flames onto burnt ground. If you have to run through the flames:
• Chose a place where the flames and heat are lower and where there is, or will be, little burning material on the ground behind the fire front.
• Wait for a lull and when you can see over and through the flames take a deep breath and briskly walk through covering your face as much as possible. Stay in the burnt area.
• Flames greater than your height are too hazardous to run through.
While this information provides some safety points, it is better to avoid bushfire situations where possible.

Safety points to remember:
• Check on the weather before going bush.
• Plan your trip to include refuge areas.
• Protect yourself from radiant heat.
• If caught on foot, seek shelter.
• Do not try to out run the fire.
• Keep as low as possible to avoid breathing heated air and smoke.
• Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

[DaveNoble]

Generally these days - you tend to find the parks "closed" during periods of high bushfire danger. At least this is the case in NSW.

I have been close to a few bush fires. One was in the Blue Mts - on a west to east exploratory traverse. We had started out and after a day or two saw big plumes of smoke. This looked a little worrying. It seems to be burning from the direction we had walked a few days previously - so would not be too wise to head back out that way. So kept on walking. The sky at night was quite eerie - a red glow.... and we always camped near large pools in the creeks. When the fire did catch up to us - it was nothing too special - a few burning logs and trees. We had walked into a area that had just been burnt out. Luckily for us conditions were not extreme. Hot summer weather, but no strong winds.

Another Blue Mts trip - and we knew a bushfire was burning near the Wolgan River, and that was where we were going! But we went via a canyon - and that was nice. When we reached the river - there was a fire burining on the far side - but didn't seem to be coming our way and didn't look too bad - so we kept up with the trip. On that trip I can remember some dreadful nights - far too hot to get into sleeping bags, and too many mosquitoes not to (we slept under flys or under the stars). And we had to dig out holes to sit in in the river to cool off (the Wolgan is very shallow and sandy). Then we exited via a creek that we ended up calling "F*%^ing Hot Creek" - no shade as all the trees had their leaves burnt.

On some recent Tassie trips to the Arthur Range - I have also encountered bush fires burning on the ridges or valleys and coming our way - and had to either walk out fast or change plans a bit.

Dave

[GPSGuided]

Wear clothes that cover and protect all exposed skin – preferably natural fibres. A lot of bushwalking gear has a high plastic content that will melt to your skin.

Oh great! I'll end up of the feathered kind with my down jacket.

[TerraMer]

Fantastic responses. Thanks

I have sent a bunch of questions to a friend who has a doctorate in Australian fire behaviour. Hopefully my questions are not too broad for his expertise. They are related to Alps walking and I'll post any answers different from what others have already said when I hear back.

Having had 4 years experience as a fire fighter I have a few thoughts of my own but will wait for my friend's response because I know some of my old training is not general practice anymore in light of new research.

[FatCanyoner]

G'day folks. I've been thinking about this issue a bit recently, and have been working up an article summarising the key information I could find online (with my recollections from basic bushfire-fighting training with the RFS). I've incorporated some thoughts others have made here, as well as plenty of other stuff. I'm keen to improve it with further information, so I'm very interested in what TerraMer's expert friend will have to say in their response. I've published it on my blog (http://fatcanyoners.org/bush-guide/bushfire-safety/) where I will be able to make updates to it, but below is the full text of it at the moment. Hopefully it's of some use to other people.

* * * * *

Bushfire safety for bushwalkers and canyoners:

There are two universal truths about the Australian bush: it is breathtaking beautiful and potentially deadly. Whether it’s snakes, spiders, the illusive Penrith Panther, flash floods, thunderstorms, falling rocks, raging fires, howling winds or falling trees, there’s no shortage of potential risks to be aware of.

Thanks to a couple of wet summers, which have visibly increased the fuel loads, not to mention plenty of recent hot, dry weather, experts have warned that many parts of the country are experiencing above average bushfire risk.

Perhaps it’s because of those warnings, but I’ve noticed more bushwalkers, canyoners and other outdoor adventurers asking questions about bushfire safety recently. Based on those questions I’ve tried to pull together a summary of the best advice I could find (including what snippets I can still remember from my own Rural Fire Service training).

Before we move on, I must point out that this is general advice. Each situation is different, and everyone has to make their own assessments of the particular risks they face. Don’t take anything below as ‘gospel truth’, instead use it to shape a more informed and thought-out way of dealing with potential fire risks on your trips over summer. Obviously, any activities in the bush carry risks, and I certainly don’t take any responsibility for any incidents or accidents caused by people blindly following the points below.

How serious is the risk of fire?

Bushfires are a common occurrence in Australia, with parts of south-eastern Australia among the most bushfire prone areas on earth. Despite this, the chances of a fire starting in an area you are walking is are actually quite low. Many bushland areas will go for decades between natural fires.

Things like dry lightning strikes, flying embers from an existing fire, or the careless actions of human can all ignite a fire. While fires start small, they can quickly turn into something serious in dry, warm, windy conditions, allowing an emergency to quickly develop even in an area that was fire-free when you entered it.

Even a small bushfire can pose a serious threat to life, and requires appropriate actions to be safely dealt with. This can be hard when operating under the stress of a fast-approaching fire.

It is important to remember that fire can injure or kill in a number of different ways, and that the flames are only one of the dangers. Direct contact with flames will cause physical burns, the smoke and hot gases can cause asphyxiation and radiant heat from the fire can induce heat stroke.

In recent years there have been examples of people, including highly experienced event organisers, caught out because they underestimated fire risks. In 2011 a bushfire trapped several ultra-marathon runners in Western Australia, causing life-threatening injuries to two people and injuring a number of others.

Factors that decide how a fire behaves:

There are three main factors that will impact on how a fire behaves: weather, fuel, and topography.

The intensity and speed a fire moves in are largely determined by the type, amount, and moisture content of the fuel that is burning. Fire can move extremely fast in grassland, but is usually less intense, while in more thickly forested areas it will burn with more intensity, but usually move more slowly. Dry, fine fuel (less than 8mm in diameter) will produce a quicker moving fire, while vegetation that is damp, sparse or composed of larger material will generally result in a slower moving fire.

Fires will burn more intensely if the weather is hot and dry, while cooler weather or increased humidity will reduce it. Wind not only makes fires move more quickly, changes to wind directions can radically alter a fire’s behaviour. Fire travels with the wind, rather than against it.

The landform will also have a major impact on the fire’s behaviour. Fires move much faster going uphill, roughly doubling in speed for each 10 degree increase in the slope. This is because the fire is able to dry and heat the fuel ahead of it, speeding the combustion process.

Understanding these factors, and using them to take appropriate actions, is integral to surviving a bushfire.

Things to do before heading into the bush:

There are many things that can be done to limit the risks posed by fire, but the only way to truly eliminate any risk is to simply not enter the bush. Given that isn’t a choice most of us are willing to make, it is essential that we properly prepare to minimise risks as much as possible.

Check the expected weather conditions. Heat, dry weather and strong winds all increase fire risks. Thunderstorms often spark fires. Consider scheduling your trips for a time of lower risk (although this is hard for canyoners, who are drawn out by the hot weather). Extreme fires usually occur when temperatures are in the mid-30s or higher, relative humidity is less than 15 per cent, and winds are hot, dry and greater than 30 km/h.

Check for any alerts regarding nearby fires, along with predicted fire danger ratings.

Check for any closures relating to the area you are walking, or fire bans that will prevent you lighting fires or using fuel stoves.

Ensure your trip intentions are known. Consider registering your planned walk with police, NPWS, or other appropriate authorities. Inform a friend or loved one of your planned route, allowing them to notify authorities of your presence if a fire occurs. Include party size, intended route, and estimated arrival time.

Plan your route to include possible escape routes or to allow easy access to areas that offer refuge from fire, like natural water sources, open rocky ground, clearings, etc. Depending on where you are along your planned route the best escape option could be to retrace your steps, exit via a side route, or continue on to the planned finish point. Take into account likely wind directions which could be fanning a fire (they are usually hot dry winds coming from the north or west).

Take clothing that will provide protection from radiant heat. Synthetic fibres can melt and cause severe burns. Natural fibres like wool and cotton will offer greater protection.

Consider carrying an emergency personal locator beacon (PLB). This can help emergency services quickly locate you in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Make sure someone in your group knows how to provide first aid for injuries such as burns, shock, asphyxiation, smoke inhalation, heat induced illness, etc.

Things to do while walking, even if there is no fire:

Being able to move to the nearest safe place in the case of a fire requires you to know exactly where you are at all times. Put a greater focus on your navigation so that any decisions made in an emergency are based on a precise knowledge of your current location.

Keep track of possible features that could provide refuge from fire, allowing better decision making if you do encounter a blaze. Don’t just examine what shelter is available, but also consider the most efficient, and safest way, of reaching it.

Keep your eyes (and nose) on the lookout for smoke. When high points are encountered, take a moment to scour the horizon for possible fires, particular in the direction the wind is coming from. If you see smoke, consider turning back or finding an alternate route.

Watch out for increased air traffic. A serious fire will almost always be responded to by a large number of aircraft, both for water bombing and to provide real-time intelligence about how the fire is moving. These aircraft can be an early warning of a nearby fire.

Pay attention to the terrain you are moving through, looking at steepness, the fuel loads in different parts of the topography, and other factors that might influence how a fire would move.

Keep track of wind direction and strength, as well as considering likely changes that could occur.

Take a small radio and listen to local weather and fire updates.

Ensure you remain well hydrated, and are carrying plenty of water with you.

Fire conditions are usually worse in the afternoon, so walking earlier in the day and moving quickly can reduce your risk. If there is a distant fire, consider ditching non-essential gear or consumables like food to allow you to move more quickly to a safer area.

If you are faced with a bushfire:

It is essential that you don’t panic, but instead remain calm and plan your actions carefully.

Never try to outrun the fire.

Remember that fires move fastest, and burn strongest, at the front. You are far better heading to the side, or flank, where the fire will likely be burning with less intensity.

Never go uphill, unless you know of an extremely well protected refuge nearby. Fires will burn with the greatest intensity at the top of hills, and move fastest as they climb the slopes. It is almost always best to move downhill.

Move to areas with lower fuel loads, such as spots where fuel is sparser, or simply larger or wetter so it will burn more slowly. Rocky outcrops, hollows, fire trails, previously burnt ground, heavily grazed areas, eroded gullies, holes made by fallen trees, or any other place without combustible material are ideal. Clear any remaining leaves or vegetation which could burn away from your shelter.

Avoid direct flame contact.

Find an area that won’t burn such as lakes, creeks or canyons.

Smoke and hot gases can cause asphyxiation and even burn the inside of your airways. Keep as low as possible, breathing into the ground, and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth to avoid breathing superheated air and smoke.

Radiant heat can be as deadly as the flames. Lie down on the ground and cover yourself as much as possible. Take advantage of large rocks, logs, or depressions in the ground. Place soft, moist soil over your skin. Even sheets of thick bark or slabs of wood can protect you from radiant heat. Look for anything that will deflect or absorb the radiant heat. Remember that radiant heat travels in straight lines. Radiant heat can cause heat stroke, which is when the body’s cooling system fails, leading to heat exhaustion and heart failure.

Wear natural fibres (cotton or wool) that cover as much of your skin as possible. Avoid synthetic materials except as a last resort. It is wise to have long pants and a long-sleeved shirt with you when walking in a bushfire prone area.

Do not wet your clothing unless it can be kept wet while the fire front passes. Water is a good conductor of heat and wet clothes can produce scalds.

Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

Make sure you look after the safety of your whole group. Never let someone shelter alone. Use the buddy system. Don’t separate or lose sight of each other. Monitor the behaviour of all party members, and in particular watch for signs of panic. One person panicking and breaking away from the group can put the whole group at serious risk.

Move to burnt ground once the fire has passed. Be aware of the residual dangers residing on burnt ground, including falling branches or trees, burning logs, or burning tree stumps.

Never shelter in an elevated water tank. Above ground tanks can heat up quickly. A human immersed in warm water cannot sweat or lose heat, and water temperatures as low as 44ºC can lead to a loss of consciousness in a matter of minutes.

If you have a mobile phone, call for help, or if you are carrying a PLB, set it off.

Make yourself highly visible, which will help helicopters spot you. Authorities will likely fly over known walking tracks, campsites and other popular areas in the path of the fire.

Running through the flames should only ever be attempted as a last resort, when no safe shelter can be reached. It is not recommended by fire authorities. It should only be attempted if you can see clearly behind the flames, so they are less than 1 metre high and 3 metres deep. If you must run through the fire, move to the flanks or areas burning with less intensity, look for a lull in the fire, seek areas with fairly clear ground, and avoid areas with potential obstructions or obstacles. Take a deep breath low to the ground, then cover your face and run through the flames to already burnt ground.

Encountering fire while driving to or from a trip:

If you come across smoke or fire while driving, the safest course of action is usually to return the way you have come. Fallen branches or trees can easily block your way, preventing your escape from the fire. If you are driving through smoke turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible to other vehicles, slow down, keep watch for firefighters and emergency vehicles. Turn your air-conditioning on and recirculate the air to limit how much smoke enters your car.

If you are trapped by a fire while driving, stay in the vehicle, as research shows this offers the best chance of survival.

Park your vehicle in an area that provides the greatest protection from both radiant heat and flames, such as a roadside clearing or against an embankment. Do not stop under trees that could fall on your vehicle. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road where you could be struck by other vehicles. Keep the engine running, with all windows and vents closed. Turn your hazard lights on. Lie down on the floor of the vehicle and cover yourself with anything that will protect you from radiant heat, such as a woollen blanket. Drink plenty of water. Wait for the fire front to completely pass.

It is a good idea to keep woollen blankets and drinking water in your car just in case you are forced to use your car as a refuge from a bushfire.

[perfectlydark]

Thanks for that post! This was front of mind for me last weekend and good to see some good tips, many I had forgotten over the years

[madmacca]

Comprehensive and informative post. Thanks FatCanyoner!!

[McWade]

Great list, thanks for sharing.

[MickyB]

Great thread TerraMer and thanks to everyone, especially FatCanyoner, for the info in your posts. A lot of the info given could be considered common sense however there were a few things I did learn so thank you to all.

[TerraMer]

Fatcanyoner and everyone who has contributed to this thread, THANK YOU

Fatcanyoner, you have put together a great article which covers more than many of us thought about.

The only things I can add would be:

Use your cotton triangular bandage as a wetted face mask when getting away from smoke and to protect from heat. Carry a spare for people you're walking with or someone else you meet caught on the track in smoke.

Your pack, can be used as a shield when out on multiday walks, especially good if you can find a hole in the ground and use the pack as a lid.

Fatcanyoner mentioned not sheltering in raised water tanks, I would say the same for shallow holes of water. If the fire front is super heated it can actually boil a puddle dry.

Merino thermals are good to pack even for day walks. If your walking clothes are synthetic you can quickly change into your themals to avoid petrochemical/textile burns.

Consider using a fire retardant tarp as a tarp or tent footprint. Some are also insulating like space blankets but won't melt or lace on contact with flame. I picked one up at an army disposals store a few years ago.

Some of us carry a short length on hose for water collection and lifestraws. If you can't get to the flanks but can get to deep or running water you can jump in and use the hose or lifestraw as a snorkel, keeping it wet and cold so it doesn't melt as the front crosses above you. It is a bit of a rambo stunt but I know a couple who had to do this and they survived without any injury.

After the fire, even years after the fire, be careful of treefall. Some sections that were burnt out in the 2002/03 alps fire/s were so hot there hasn't been much regrowth but the treefall has created a serious fuel problem. These parts of the alps should be passed through quickly if they can't be avoided during high fire danger days.

There are a few sections of the AAWT I will be using fire trails as long detours instead of crossing sections without clear marked tracks. With days of high fire alert, concentration on navigation, heat and possible physical and emotional stress the odds start to stack up. Sticking to a fire trail or 4WD track just feels safer even if it means walking further when the weather and ground conditions are dangerous. When you think about it, walking 15km without a track takes about as long as walking 30km along a formed track or road so no time will be lost and there is more of a chance of being picked up by a vehicle.

Keep thoughts and ideas coming. We can all benefit from being bush fire aware.

[matagi]

When hubby is out on a multiday walk, I send him text messages with weather updates. He switches his satphone on in the evenings to pick them up.

So another suggestion - if you have a satphone - it is worthwhile delegating a "support person" with the task of providing daily weather reports and other warnings.