SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - With extreme fire danger across the state, let's say you're hiking or biking in the mountains and you find yourself trapped by a wildfire. What would you do?
That's the question ABC4 asked Utahns today.
"If I was on my bike I might turn around and go back up," said Sean Bergeson, who enjoys biking through Big Cottonwood Canyon.
"Pack up and maybe get to the other side of the mountain," said Jake Chalmers, who rock climbs in the canyon.
ABC 4 showed Utahns a list of things to do just in case they find themselves caught in the open by a wildfire.
"If you use a little common sense and saw smoke around or know that there's a fire a ridge or two over...you probably shouldn't be in the area," said Matt Wakkuri.
Kathy Jo Pollock is a spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service. She read our list of safety tips and liked every one of them.
"If there is a body of water, a large creek or river, head to that area," said Pollock.
"They're very common sense things so it's definitely very helpful," said Chalmers.
What do you do if you are caught in the open (families.com):
- The safest area would be in a sparse fuel area where there is less to burn.
- If you are in the mountains, the back side from the fire and wind is the safest.
- Canyons are considered by the firefighters as a natural "chimney" and saddles. Canyons are the last place you want to be caught out in the open during a wild fire.
- If there is a road near, it's best to lie face down along the road.
- If there is a ditch you could lie on the uphill side.
- Look for anything that can help shield you from the fire's heat.
- If you are camping or hiking in rural or wild country, find any kind of depression with as little fuel to burn as possible.
- Remove fuel away from the spot if there is time while the fire approaches.
- Lie face down in the depression and cover yourself even if you only have sand or dirt.
- Remain down on the ground until the fire has passed
- Find a body of water and head to that area
