What to Do When Driving in a Wildfire Zone

Driving during the summer months in Portugal requires extra caution, especially when traveling through areas at risk of wildfires. Knowing how to act when near an active fire can make all the difference for the safety of drivers and passengers. If you find yourself on a road affected by fire, these are the crucial actions to follow, based on guidelines from Civil Protection and emergency services.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• As soon as you notice signs of fire or smoke, immediately reduce your speed;

• Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to ensure visibility to other drivers;

• Close the windows, air intakes, and disable air recirculation to prevent smoke from entering the cabin;

• If visibility is very low, avoid moving forward. Driving blindly is dangerous and disorienting.

If the Road is Passable

• Proceed with extreme caution, but never stop in the middle of the road;

• Avoid sudden maneuvers or U-turns, which can cause accidents. Always stay on paved roads. Dirt paths or forest tracks may be blocked, burning, or lead to dead ends;

• Try to tune into a local radio station, which may provide useful updates about the situation and which routes might be blocked ahead.

If Escape is Not Possible

• If you're surrounded by fire or it is too close, the safest option is to stay inside your vehicle;

• Park away from vegetation, preferably in a clearing or near rocky formations or open areas with no combustible material;

• Point the car in the direction opposite to the fire, prepared for a possible quick departure, and keep the engine running for ventilation (as long as the car is not overheating);

• Use jackets, blankets, or car mats to shield yourself from the heat. If smoke enters the vehicle, breathe through a damp cloth and stay as low as possible.

Call Emergency Services

• Call 112, provide your exact location, and describe the situation. If possible, share your real-time location via apps like Waze, Google Maps, or Civil Protection. Every second counts.

• Avoid Risky Behaviors

• Never leave your vehicle unless it is about to be overtaken by flames and you have a safe escape route on foot;

• Do not try to cross areas with dense smoke or flee uphill (fire spreads faster on slopes).

After Escaping

• Once you're safe, head to a shelter or emergency post;

• Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention if you were exposed to smoke;

• Whenever possible, report your experience to the authorities. This information can help improve future emergency response plans.

Before Any Trip, especially in the summer, always check the websites of IPMA and the Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) to verify fire risks and possible road closures.

Thumbnail: Roberto Saragoça