The Guardia Civil has launched an information campaign through its official social media channels to raise public awareness on how to act correctly in the event of a forest fire. In the video posted, an officer explains in detail the recommended protocol for emergency situations. ‘Would you know what to do if you were caught in a forest fire?’ asks the protagonist of the clip, emphasising the importance of staying calm above all else.
Among the main instructions is the need to move to the sides of the fire, always in the opposite direction of the smoke and wind, avoiding crossing the flames at all times. One of the most striking recommendations in the protocol warns that ‘running through the bush is easier than driving,’ advising people to abandon their vehicles if the flames are approaching.
The complete protocol includes instructions on how to protect yourself from smoke inhalation by covering your mouth and nose, and the recommendation to seek shelter in open areas or areas that have already been burned where vegetation is sparse. The authorities have made it clear that following these guidelines can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.
The video released by the Guardia Civil breaks down a protocol based on years of experience in fighting forest fires. ‘It is important to remain calm, move to one side of the fire in the opposite direction of the smoke and wind,’ explains the officer. This first step is essential, as panic is often the main enemy of those caught in an emergency situation. The recommendation not to try to cross the flames is based on the fact that many forest fire victims die precisely when trying to cross burning areas. Instead, the protocol advises seeking refuge in areas that have already been burned or have little vegetation, where the fire will not find fuel to continue advancing.
With regard to personal protection, the officer stresses the need to ‘cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling smoke’. This preventive measure is crucial, as intoxication from inhaling toxic gases is one of the main causes of death in this type of incident, even before the flames reach the victim.
One of the most important aspects of the protocol concerns what to do when a fire breaks out while people are inside a vehicle. The Guardia Civil’s recommendation is clear: ‘If you are caught by flames and are inside your vehicle, abandon it.’ This advice may seem counterintuitive to many people, who might consider a car to be a safe refuge from fire.
However, firefighting experts explain that vehicles can quickly become death traps due to the flammable materials they contain, such as plastics, fabrics and fuel. The phrase ‘running through the woods is easier than driving’ perfectly sums up this philosophy, highlighting that mobility on foot offers greater chances of escape than remaining in a vehicle with limited mobility on roads or paths.
The final piece of advice in the protocol refers to the importance of following the instructions of the authorities. Emergency professionals have specific training and technical resources to assess the situation and make the most appropriate decisions at all times.
Information campaigns such as the one launched by the Guardia Civil are part of a broader forest fire prevention strategy. According to data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, in 2024 there were more than 7,500 forest fires in Spain, affecting some 80,000 hectares of forest area. Although high, these figures represented a reduction compared to previous years, thanks in part to preventive and awareness-raising measures. Forest management experts agree that public information and training are essential tools for reducing the impact of fires.
In fact, it is estimated that approximately 95% of forest fires are caused by humans, either through negligence, accidents or, in some cases, deliberate arson. The Guardia Civil, together with other institutions such as Civil Protection, the fire services and the autonomous communities, runs annual awareness campaigns to prevent these incidents. The aim is twofold: on the one hand, to prevent fires from occurring through responsible behaviour; on the other, to minimise the consequences once they have started.