HIKING SAFETY – Being Safe in Wildfire Season

We still have good weather ahead to enjoy a hike in the mountains. With our dry summers there is an increasing danger of wildfires in our national parks and national forests. Eastern Washington often sees wildfires. Currently, there are more than a dozen wildfires burning in Eastern Washington. With our drier summers, there is an increased danger of wildfires in Western Washington with drier fuels available in the forests.

Hikers could get caught in the mountains with wildfires as related to The Seattle Times by Matt Bishop and Steve Cooper who were hiking in the Baring Mountain area on the day that the Bolt Creek wildfire broke in September 2022- https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/it-was-a-classic-day-for-a-hike-in-was-cascades-then-the-fire-came/. The two ended up self-rescuing themselves after contacting search and rescue who determined that conditions were too dangerous to send ground teams or even a helicopter to pick them up. While there was no indication of a fire starting in the area that day, their story emphasizes the importance of preparation and being flexible to be able to handle unexpected events or conditions.

Some precautions to take to avoid a wildfire on your hike are:

·         Check with the National Weather Service for Red Flag Warnings along your intended route. And check with the Environmental Protection Agency for the air quality (AQI- Air Quality Index).

·         Also, check with the National Forest or National Parks for the conditions along your hiking route. The Washington Trails Association has a list of ranger stations at https://www.wta.org/go-outside/ranger-station-info

When you go on your hike be ready for anything. Even if the weather is perfect and there are no wildfires near your route, things can happen that can cause an emergency or cause a need to stay on the trail overnight. Taking the 10 Essentials can help survive the unexpected. For any hike, you should take,

·         NAVIGATION – Map, compass, and GPS system

·         SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat

·         INSULATION – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear

·         ILLUMINATION – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp

·         FIRST-AID SUPPLIES – First Aid Kit

·         FIRE – Matches, lighter and fire starters

·         REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors

·         NUTRITION – Food

·         HYDRATION – Water and water treatment supplies

·         EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy

 

Being prepared will help you to handle and survive the unexpected.

 

 

High Country News:

https://www.hcn.org/issues/55-8/north-wildfire-we-have-fire-all-around-us-and-we-cant-get-out-hikers/

 

National Weather Service:

https://www.weather.gov/sew/

 

Environmental Protection Agency- Air Now:

https://www.airnow.gov/

 

IQAir:

https://www.iqair.com/usa/washington/seattle

 

The 10 Essentials:

 

National Park Service- https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm

 

Washington Trails Association- https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trail-smarts/ten-essentials

 

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/how-to-hike-safely-during-pnw-wildfire-season-the-10-essentials/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=owned_echobox_tw_m&utm_source=Twitter&s=09#Echobox=1723221742-1

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/on-a-45-mile-chain-of-wa-trails-our-writer-got-more-than-bargained-for/

https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-life-saving-work-of-the-puget-sound-coast-guard/