This document provides information on responding to wildfires. It discusses who will help during a wildfire emergency, including fire services, civil protection organizations, and sometimes the army or volunteers. It also discusses the roles of aerial firefighting units. It emphasizes the importance of calling emergency services if a fire is spotted and provides guidance on safely evacuating a fire area by walking away from flames and smoke.

1. E-Learning Module for
Adults
Wildfires

2. Part 3.1: Response
During an emergency
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• Who will help and how?
• How to follow the advice of professionals
• What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is an emergency?
• What to do / NOT do during a wildfire?
• How to help?

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4. Part 3.1: Response
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The type of organisations involved depend on how each
country organises its fight against wildfires. Organisations
involved can include: Fire and rescue services, civil protection
organisations, specially trained army divisions, etc.
These organisations can rely solely on professionals or include
volunteers.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

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Irrespective of what organisations are involved in each
country, their activities and roles with regards to wildfire
suppression will be very similar. Their actions/activities are
likely to be divided between:
- Terrestrial action (ground attack)
- Aerial support and attack (where resources exist)
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

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• Fire fighters will analyse the environment and weather
conditions to try to establish the evolution of the fire and
decide the best course of action.
Fire-fighters using tools to stop the progression of a fire
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Fire-fighters using tools and a portable extinctor to stop the progression of a fire
Image courtesy of Junta de Castilla y León

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• Fire fighters will analyse the environment and weather
conditions to try to establish the evolution of the fire and
decide the best course of action.
• To suppress the fire, they will use different tactics and tools
(chainsaws, fire flappers, portable extinctor, etc…). They can
also sometimes rely on heavy machinery to create fuel breaks
(Blackhoes, diggers, etc.).
Fire-fighters using tools to stop the progression of a fire
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Fire-fighters using tools and a portable extinctor to stop the progression of a fire
Image courtesy of Junta de Castilla y León

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Fire fighters also have at their
disposal vehicles, in particular fire
engines with a water tank. However,
wildfires often occur in remote
and/or rural areas and vehicles
cannot always reach the area of the
fire. In this case, fire-fighters will
need to walk on foot and will work
with hand tools to suppress the fire.
They may also rely on aerial support
and attack.
Source: Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency

9. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Part 3.1: Response
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•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of
wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport
ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or
retardent on/near the fire.
Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of the ground crew
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

10. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Part 3.1: Response
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•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of
wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport
ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or
retardent on/near the fire.
•When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get
to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play
a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.
Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of the ground crew
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

11. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Part 3.1: Response
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•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of
wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport
ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or
retardent on/near the fire.
•When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get
to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play
a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.
•More often, airplanes and helicopters provide support to the
work of ground crews.
Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of the ground crew
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

12. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Part 3.1: Response
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•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of
wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport
ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or
retardent on/near the fire.
•When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get
to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play
a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.
•More often, airplanes and helicopters provide support to the
work of ground crews.
•They also help protect specific areas such as urban areas,
campsites, etc.
Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of the ground crew
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

13. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
Part 3.1: Response
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•When one country suffers from a number of aggressive wildfires, they
may not have the necessary suppression resources to extinguish all of the
fires and may need to request additional support and resources from other
countries.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

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•When one country suffers from a number of aggressive wildfires, they
may not have the necessary suppression resources to extinguish all of the
fires and may need to request additional support and resources from other
countries.
•For example, in 2015, when the Swedish authorities were faced with a
large wildfire (around 10 000 ha), France and Italy provided them with
water bombing aircraft from 5 to 12 August. During this time they
completed 700 water drops on the fire and helped bring the fire under
control. (Source: “Protèger la forêt contre les incendies, -Dispositif de Lutte 2015” – Direction Générale
de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crises – Ministère de l’intérieur)
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

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• They are not normally involved directly in suppression
activities

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• They are not normally involved directly in suppression
activities
• They can assist with the evacuation of homes and areas

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• They are not normally involved directly in suppression
activities
• They can assist with the evacuation of homes and areas
• They can control and limit access to the area around the
wildfire.

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• They are not normally involved directly in suppression
activities
• They can assist with the evacuation of homes and areas
• They can control and limit access to the area around the
wildfire.
• They can help control and direct traffic near the wildfire

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• The Ambulance Service may provide medical assistance
during wildfires to members of the public and those
involved in suppressing the fire.

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• They will support the Emergency Services

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• They will support the Emergency Services
• They may decide to close roads, if necessary

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• They will support the Emergency Services
• They may decide to close roads, if necessary
• They will establish and manage Rest Centres for those evacuated from their homes

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• They will support the Emergency Services
• They may decide to close roads, if necessary
• They will establish and manage Rest Centres for those evacuated from their homes
• They may circulate warnings and information to the local population about the fire

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999

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In case of emergency
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To get the right help as quickly as possible, it is important you
know what to say and do when you call 9 9 9.
Even though you may be afraid, in pain or distressed in other
ways, you need to stay calm and remember what you have
learned.
999

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Remember:
• Don’t be afraid to call 999, the emergency services are there to
help you.
999

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Remember:
• Don’t be afraid to call 999, the emergency services are there to
help you.
• Stay calm and speak clearly.
999

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Remember:
• Don’t be afraid to call 999, the emergency services are there to
help you.
• Stay calm and speak clearly.
• Follow the instructions given to you by the operator .
999

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Remember:
• Don’t be afraid to call 999, the emergency services are there to
help you.
• Stay calm and speak clearly.
• Follow the instructions given to you by the operator .
The next slides will show you the steps to make a safe and effective
call to 999.
999

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999

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If you don’t see an address, describe the
surroundings to the operator. Everything you
see around you can help (shop name, bus
stops, significant buildings, etc...)
999

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•When has it happened?
•What number are you calling from?
•How many people are injured?
999

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999

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999

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While talking to the operator, he/she will:
999

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While talking to the operator, he/she will:
• Determine the help you need
999

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While talking to the operator, he/she will:
• Determine the help you need
• Start sending the help you need
999

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While talking to the operator, he/she will:
• Determine the help you need
• Start sending the help you need
• Hand over the information you give to other emergency
services
999

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If a contact number or website address is issued by the emergency services, use it to get updates
but remember you will be one of many people trying to use it so there may be some delay in
getting through.
Be patient and keep trying if you cannot get the information you want from other sources.

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Do not stay near the fire – get to a place of
safety.
Remain calm!
Image courtesy of Craftyjoe at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
If you spot a fire or someone starting a fire, call
999 immediately.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía
999

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may provide
protection.
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may provide
protection.
• Protect your face with a wet cloth (piece of clothing, towel,etc.) in order to
avoid breathing the smoke.
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may provide
protection.
• Protect your face with a wet cloth (piece of clothing, towel,etc.) in order to
avoid breathing the smoke.
• Try to avoid walking towards cliffs or ravines – they may block your escape
and lead to entrapment.
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may provide
protection.
• Protect your face with a wet cloth (piece of clothing, towel,etc.) in order to
avoid breathing the smoke.
• Try to avoid walking towards cliffs or ravines – they may block your escape
and lead to entrapment.
• Do not walk into saddle features (depressions between two hills) – wildfires
burn very rapidly through these areas
Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:
• Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke
• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may provide
protection.
• Protect your face with a wet cloth (piece of clothing, towel,etc.) in order to
avoid breathing the smoke.
• Try to avoid walking towards cliffs or ravines – they may block your escape
and lead to entrapment.
• Do not walk into saddle features (depressions between two hills) – wildfires
burn very rapidly through these areas
• Do not try to escape by walking in front of the fire, or walking up-hill above a
fire – fire can move very quickly upslope! Image courtesy of marcolm at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you meet those responsible for
suppressing a wildfire, follow their
instructions and directions. closely .
Ground crew from the INFOCA (Andalucía) - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

51. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.

52. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area

53. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.

54. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.
• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.

55. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.
• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
• Close all vehicle windows and vents.

56. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.
• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
• Close all vehicle windows and vents.
• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.

57. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Part 3.1: Response
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.
• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
• Close all vehicle windows and vents.
• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.
• Lie on the floor of the vehicle.

58. Image courtesy of digitalart at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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-Drive with the windows closed.
-Try to drive towards a safe area
-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):
• Stay calm.
• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
• Close all vehicle windows and vents.
• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.
• Lie on the floor of the vehicle.
• Call 999

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If the authorities or emergency services ask you to
leave your home, do so immediately.
Only stay at home if evacuation would put you in
imminent danger.
A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia

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• Contact the emergency services and provide your
location (call 999).

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• Contact the emergency services and provide your
location (call 999).
• Stay together in the safest area of the house.

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• Contact the emergency services and provide your
location (call 999).
• Stay together in the safest area of the house.
• Close all the doors and windows and pour water on
them. Put wet towels, curtains or other fabric materials
around the doors and windows to help stop smoke
coming through.

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• Contact the emergency services and provide your
location (call 999).
• Stay together in the safest area of the house.
• Close all the doors and windows and pour water on
them. Put wet towels, curtains or other fabric materials
around the doors and windows to help stop smoke
coming through.
• Turn off all electricity, gas and air conditioning.

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• Contact the emergency services and provide your
location (call 999).
• Stay together in the safest area of the house.
• Close all the doors and windows and pour water on
them. Put wet towels, curtains or other fabric materials
around the doors and windows to help stop smoke
coming through.
• Turn off all electricity, gas and air conditioning.
• Fill sinks, bath tubs and buckets with water that you can
use to extinguish any fire that enters the house.

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.
• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.
• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or cotton).

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.
• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or cotton).
• Move flammable furniture and objects to the centre of the room.
Move flammable items away from the walls, doors and windows
(furniture, carpets, decoration, etc.).

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.
• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or cotton).
• Move flammable furniture and objects to the centre of the room.
Move flammable items away from the walls, doors and windows
(furniture, carpets, decoration, etc.).
• Be careful with loose cables and electric installations, there is a
risk of electrocution. If possible, turn off the electricity.

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• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can
locate you.
• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or cotton).
• Move flammable furniture and objects to the centre of the room.
Move flammable items away from the walls, doors and windows
(furniture, carpets, decoration, etc.).
• Be careful with loose cables and electric installations, there is a
risk of electrocution. If possible, turn off the electricity.
• When the fire has passed, stay in the house and wait for
instructions from the emergency services.

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:
• Close all the doors and windows before
leaving, but leave open any gates outside your
property.

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:
• Close all the doors and windows before
leaving, but leave open any gates outside your
property.
• Turn off the gas and electricity.

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:
• Close all the doors and windows before
leaving, but leave open any gates outside your
property.
• Turn off the gas and electricity.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or
cotton).

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:
• Close all the doors and windows before
leaving, but leave open any gates outside your
property.
• Turn off the gas and electricity.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or
cotton).
• Protect your face from the smoke with the wet
cloth.

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A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source:
Richmeister at en.wikipedia
If you need to leave your home:
• Close all the doors and windows before
leaving, but leave open any gates outside your
property.
• Turn off the gas and electricity.
• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or
cotton).
• Protect your face from the smoke with the wet
cloth.
• Go in the opposite direction to the fire and the
smoke.

77. Part 3.1: Response
What to do?
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When there is a wildfire
in your area, you should
always be ready to
evacuate.
In the event you are told
to evacuate, follow
instructions from the
emergency services with
regard sto safe routes to
take away from the
danger area. Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

78. Part 3.1: Response
What to do?
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Natural Disasters
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When there is a wildfire
in your area, you should
always be ready to
evacuate.
In the event you are told
to evacuate, follow
instructions from the
emergency services with
regard sto safe routes to
take away from the
danger area.
If an evacuation takes place, a rendezvous
point for evacuees will normally be
established. A Reception / Rest Centre will be
set up for longer emergency incidents and
this is a place you can stay and get help,
food and water.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

79. Part 3.1: Response
What to do?
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Natural Disasters
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When there is a wildfire
in your area, you should
always be ready to
evacuate.
In the event you are told
to evacuate, follow
instructions from the
emergency services with
regard sto safe routes to
take away from the
danger area.
If an evacuation takes place, a rendezvous
point for evacuees will normally be
established. A Reception / Rest Centre will be
set up for longer emergency incidents and
this is a place you can stay and get help,
food and water.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
If you choose not to use the Rest Centre (for
example you go to stay with friends or
relatives elsewhere), advise the staff at the
Rest Centre of your alternative
arrangements so that people are not
deployed to search for you.

80. Part 3.1: Response
What NOT to do?
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dness and Response to Natural Disasters
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81. Part 3.1: Response
During an emergency
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Natural Disasters
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82. Part 3.2 Response
After an emergency
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• Who will help?
• What to do when returning home after a wildfire?
• How to help your community after an Emergency

83. Part 3.2 : Response
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Once an emergency incident has been dealt with and any immediate risk to
people, property and/or the environment has been dealt with the Recovery
Phase will begin for you, your family and your community.

84. Part 3.2 Response
After an emergency
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85. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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If your house/property has been damaged by the fire, for the
most part, you will have to take care of your house yourself.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

86. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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If your house/property has been damaged by the fire, for the
most part, you will have to take care of your house yourself.
However, your insurance company will assess the damage and
the possibility of getting financial compensation. The local
authority may also be able to provide assistance and local
community/voluntary groups might also help with the
recovery process.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

87. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the
areas affected by wildfires.
Two types of specific measures must be taken :
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

88. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the
areas affected by wildfires.
Two types of specific measures must be taken :
1- Urgent measures to reduce the immediate effects on
people, infrastructure, property, wildlife and the
environment. Remember, wildfires can damage the soil
(causing soil erosion) and they can also leave trees and
other vegetation burned and unstable.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

89. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the
areas affected by wildfires.
Two types of specific measures must be taken :
1- Urgent measures to reduce the immediate effects on
people, infrastructure, property, wildlife and the
environment. Remember, wildfires can damage the soil
(causing soil erosion) and they can also leave trees and
other vegetation burned and unstable.
2- Reconstructive measures aiming at assisting in the
longer-term recuperation of the natural environment. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

90. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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These measures include:
• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would affect homes,
roads, electric cables, etc.
Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds,
etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

91. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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These measures include:
• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would affect homes,
roads, electric cables, etc.
• The construction of defenses to protect roads, fields, villages, homes, etc.
which are threatened by landslides and falling of rocks.
Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds,
etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

92. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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These measures include:
• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would affect homes,
roads, electric cables, etc.
• The construction of defenses to protect roads, fields, villages, homes, etc.
which are threatened by landslides and falling of rocks.
• Building work aimed at limiting the loss of soil and seeds which at the
same time contribute to reducing the spread of water down slopes.
Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds,
etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

93. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
94
These measures include:
• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would affect homes,
roads, electric cables, etc.
• The construction of defenses to protect roads, fields, villages, homes, etc.
which are threatened by landslides and falling of rocks.
• Building work aimed at limiting the loss of soil and seeds which at the
same time contribute to reducing the spread of water down slopes.
• Providing, when necessary, food for wildlife.
Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds,
etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

94. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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These measures include:
• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would affect homes,
roads, electric cables, etc.
• The construction of defenses to protect roads, fields, villages, homes, etc.
which are threatened by landslides and falling of rocks.
• Building work aimed at limiting the loss of soil and seeds which at the
same time contribute to reducing the spread of water down slopes.
• Providing, when necessary, food for wildlife.
• Treating vegetation and the ground to prevent pests and diseases
attacking trees and vegetation burned/weakened by the fire.
Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds,
etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

95. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it
affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration?
(i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human
intervention?
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

96. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it
affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration?
(i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human
intervention?
Step 2: To define the objectives of a reconstructive plan.
These objectives may include planting the same species ,
planting alternative species, changing the planting structure
and layout and potentially changing the land use of the area.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

97. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it
affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration?
(i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human
intervention?
Step 2: To define the objectives of a reconstructive plan.
These objectives may include planting the same species ,
planting alternative species, changing the planting structure
and layout and potentially changing the land use of the area.
Step 3: Once the objectives have been established, there must
be an evaluation of how the reconstructive plan can be
implemented to complement nature’s actions. Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

98. Part 3: Response
Recovery: who will help?
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Natural Disasters
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Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charities
and voluntary groups may assist in the recuperation
and recovery of the natural environment.
For example: when nature does not succeed in
recovering on its own, reforestation can be necessary
and NGOs may get involved in tree and vegetation
planting.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

99. Part 3.2 Response
After an emergency
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Natural Disasters
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100. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Do not enter your home until the emergency services
say it is safe.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

101. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Do not enter your home until the emergency services
say it is safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards
may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up
without warning.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

102. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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• Do not enter your home until the emergency services
say it is safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards
may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up
without warning.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and
downed wires.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

103. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Do not enter your home until the emergency services
say it is safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards
may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up
without warning.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and
downed wires.
• Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn
family and neighbours to keep clear of the pits.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

104. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or
hooves.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

105. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or
hooves.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and
protective equipment you might need to use.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

106. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or
hooves.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and
protective equipment you might need to use.
• Get ash and other debris wet to minimize breathing dust
particles.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

107. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or
hooves.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and
protective equipment you might need to use.
• Get ash and other debris wet to minimize breathing dust
particles.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

108. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Natural Disasters
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• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or
hooves.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and
protective equipment you might need to use.
• Get ash and other debris wet to minimize breathing dust
particles.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers
need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk.Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

109. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Ensure your food and water are safe:
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat,
smoke or soot.
• NEVER use water that you think may be contaminated
by a fire – do not use contaminated water to wash
dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make
ice or make baby formula as it can make you sick.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

110. Part 3.2 Response
After an emergency
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Natural Disasters
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111. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: helping your community?
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Natural Disasters
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You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of
your community with the recovery process after a wildfire.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

112. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: helping your community?
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Natural Disasters
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You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of
your community with the recovery process after a wildfire.
For example: when nature does not succeed in recovering on its
own, reforestation may be necessary and NGOs might become
involved with replanting. NGOs often do this work with the help of
groups of volunteers –you could become a volunteer and help out.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

113. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: helping your community?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
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You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of
your community with the recovery process after a wildfire.
For example: when nature does not succeed in recovering on its
own, reforestation may be necessary and NGOs might become
involved with replanting. NGOs often do this work with the help of
groups of volunteers –you could become a volunteer and help out.
REMEMBER: Do not attempt to replant trees on your own as there
are strict criteria to follow. There may also be plans to change the
vegetation through a recovery/regeneration plan.
Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

114. Part 3.2 : Response
Recovery: what to do?
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Watch the videos on the next two pages to learn more
about some real examples of recovery after wildfires.
Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

115. e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
Part 3 : Response
118
We hope you enjoyed this module and unit on wildfires!
The content of this module was developed thanks to the support of the Junta de Andalucía and the e-PPR
Partners, unless specified otherwise.

116. This educational resource has been produced by the partners of the e-PPR Project (e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and
Response to Natural Disasters) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.
Unless otherwise stated, this educational resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
License. It is attributed to the partners of the e-PPR project. Further information can be found at www.e-ppr.eu
The authors are committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that
the reproduction of content (text, pictures, etc.) has been done with the full consent of copyright holders and that all copyright holders
are acknowledged in such reproductions. If you feel that your copyright has not been fully respected, please contact us by email at
projectmanager@e-ppr.eu.
If you are going to use parts of the content with materials whose copyright holder(s) is/are not the authors, it is your responsibility to
make sure you do so, respecting the original holder’s copyrights.
This content is the sole responsibility of the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
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